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Hunger Action Month: Rallying the Durham Region to Combat Hunger

Posted On Friday October 04, 2024

September marked Hunger Action Month, and the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) took this opportunity to spotlight the urgency of addressing food insecurity, particularly among students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). 

 

At the IDLF, our mission is clear: to support children and youth in need across the DDSB, reducing the stress of poverty and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community. We understand the direct link between proper nutrition and academic success. 

The IDLF encourages residents of the Durham Region to get involved in dismantling hunger through our Chew Chew Train campaign. Let’s work together this year to achieve our goal to raise $50,000 worth of Food to fill the Depot and truly make a difference.

Ways the community can get involved:

  1. Monetary donations
  2. In-kind food donations (drop-off Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm at 400 Taunton Road)
  3. Volunteering
  4. Raising awareness

Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure that no child goes hungry in our community. 

 

In just the first few weeks of the school year, the IDLF has distributed more than 300 kg of food hampers to local schools and families, demonstrating our commitment to alleviating food insecurity across the region. 

In September, IDLF events to combat hunger included a lunch for over 200 students and staff at Mary St. Community School and a breakfast for 300 at Lakewood Public School. These initiatives provided essential nutrition and fostered a sense of community. 

 

Key Points:

  1. 15% of Durham Region households do not have enough money to buy food, and 1 in 4 children in Durham Region face some type of food insecurity.
  2. The Chew Chew Train campaign, now in its 2nd year.
  3. Thank you to all the DDSB schools, DDSB education centre staff, school community councils and student leadership teams that host food drives to support IDLF.
  4. Thank you to Frank and Kim Auddino, Whitby Sunrise Rotary and Lear Corp for your financial support of in school meal programs.
  5. Thank you to IDLF individual donors who support our Student Nutrition fund that provides food Access to Classrooms and Kids (S.N.A.C.K.) Pillar.  

 

For more information on how you can support the IDLF and our mission, please visit: Ignite Durham Learning Foundation or contact 905-666-6000. 

Stacey Lepine-Fisher

Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation