COVID-19 RESPONSE
Early on in the pandemic, it became clear to the Friendship Centre’s leadership team that food security was a high priority for families in our community. Seeing the grocery shelves empty was more than unsettling and many were fearing for their ability to feed their families during this time.
The Friendship Centre’s Executive Director, Annette Morgan immediately identified the need for a breakfast program, particularly because many children in our communities utilize the school breakfast program. “Our goal with the Kid’s Breakfast Program was to ensure that students have reliable access to nutritious food even when school was not running due to COVID-19. Providing these healthy frozen pre-made meals, ensures that students are fed and can more easily focus on their studies,” says Annette.
The Friendship Centre’s Kid’s breakfast program, open to all students from kindergarten to grade 12 in Smithers, Telkwa and Houston, was made possible through a partnership with The Breakfast Club of Canada. Meals where made and packaged locally by Noir Restaurant.
The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Board and Staff would like to acknowledge Guilbault Youth Employment Coordinator as the Kids Breakfast Program team lead. Luke coordinated efforts to ensure that over 400 healthy breakfasts can be distributed to families Smithers, Houston and Dease Lake, while ensuring proper social distancing protocols were in place during pick up.
“As always, the work we do at the Friendship Centre is a team effort,” says Luke. “Nika Palmer, 5×5 Employment Coordinator in Smithers and Jackie Maurer and Emma Bowen (Early Years Program, Houston) have been invaluable in the success of this program.”
Feedback from families:
“Joshua was really happy with the breakfast burrito. He said it was DELICIOUS and very filling. Thanks for this kind gesture! We look forward to the next breakfast!
The kids loved their breakfast so much!! Thank you.
#LocalHeroes #BreakfastClubCanada
Learn more about the Friendship Centre’s Youth Employment Program: Culture Is Alive. Join Culture is Alive Group on Facebook
Contact Luke Guilbault 250-847-5211 ext: 205