Hunger is a reality for some students but the Halloween for Hunger food drive will help them focus on education and not where their next meal will come from.
Starting Monday and running until next Friday, student leaders, volunteers, and community members are collecting non-perishable food items and essential supplies for the sharing cupboards at the donor’s local secondary school.
Sharing cupboards, available at all seven high schools in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, provide a no-questions-asked supply of fresh food, nutritious snacks, personal hygiene items and household necessities for students to take home.
Procurement Coordinator with Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, Cherie Hardie, partners with the school board for the initiative, said a filled cupboard is more than just food on a shelf — it’s peace of mind, self-respect, and the fuel youth need to thrive.
Hardie says because the program relies entirely on public support, the community’s generosity during Halloween for Hunger directly determines how many students can be helped throughout the school year.
Community members can drop off items at their local secondary school or by making a financial contribution online at the Canada Helps website.
Most needed items include proteins such as peanut butter and tuna, canned soups, cereal and care items including soap and laundry cleaner.
Visit hpelearningfoundation.com for more information.
