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Feeding Students Beyond The School Week

by | Mar 28, 2018 | Blog

Imagine starting every day hungry and unable to focus or think about anything other than a growling stomach or a pounding head. Unfortunately, this reality exists for some children in Calgary. Last year, over 65,700 children made up 39 per cent of Calgary Food Bank clients. That number only includes those that come to the food bank with their families.

In 2014, working with the Calgary Board of Education, the Weekends and More Program (WAM) was developed to help those students who rely on food programs during the week get nutritious food on the weekends to stay healthy and learning. We agree with teachers and parents that hunger should not be a barrier to learning. There is no doubt that feeding children have a positive impact on their academic performance, social interactions, and health.

Students in the WAM program are identified by their teacher, counsellor or resource worker. They receive nutritious hampers containing two days’ worth of kid-friendly food that discreetly fit into a backpack. Included are items that will involve minimal cooking or preparation. Food items come from an approved list created with the help of Alberta Health Services Nutritionists.

WAM hampers are a catalyst for students and staff to have a conversation about life at home to help identify the root cause of their food insecurity. Reasons can be simple as a family not being aware a food bank or other services exist. Connecting the entire family to other community supports is positive for everyone.

SAMPLE WAM HAMPER

 

Weekends and More Hamper Content

Hampers

Kid-friendly meals

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Calgary Food Bank acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Calgary Food Bank
MAIN LOCATION (WAREHOUSE)

5000 11 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5

FOOD LINK

By appointment only
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Donation Centre, Door 7

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

CALL TO REQUEST A HAMPER
403-253-2055

Monday to Thursday: 8:15 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 8:15 am – 4:00 pm

Or book online

 

Administration
ANNEX HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

ANNEX LOCATION

5020 12A Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 5K9

CONTACT

Reception: 403-253-2059
info@calgaryfoodbank.com

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