Food Insecurity: Our Response
The Schroeder Foundation provides funding and resources to students in a number of communities in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Entering into these communities, we saw that there were students that had the perpetual challenge of not having enough food to support their physical and cognitive well-being. A major consequence of this is the inability to focus and perform at school, deepening the challenges of these disadvantaged individuals.
In response, the Schroeder Foundation developed a series of programs to support these students and help them reach their full potential:
- We found that Mondays were the worst days for students as if they had gone the entire weekend without sufficient meals. To manage this, we initiated a food package program that was distributed to 100 students and provided meals to families over the weekend.
- We re-equipped school cafeterias, adding new convection ovens and communal furniture. Creating a space for students to be able to eat, socialize and study.
- To work in this new cafeteria, we hired professional chefs and cooks to prepare up to 200 free and subsidized meals every day to students.
The program is a success – Students in the program achieved measurable increases in their academic performance and physical well-being. The students are grateful for the support, and we are pleased to be able to make an impactful contribution to the lives of these individuals.
