BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA PROUDLY ACCEPTS A $100,000 DONATION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF ARCHIE HARRISON MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR

BOUCHERVILLE, May 31, 2019 – Breakfast Club of Canada extends its heartfelt thanks to the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, for having selected the Club as the recipient of this donation.

This gift is a vote of confidence and recognition for the work we have been doing, with purpose and passion, for nearly 25 years. Our determination to provide children with an equal chance to succeed, one breakfast at a time, has never wavered. We do everything in our power to ensure as many young Canadians as possible have access to a school breakfast program.

“We share the honour we are receiving today with all those who help us fulfill our mission every single morning,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “By that we mean more than 17,500 volunteers across Canada, as well as our 84 employees, financial partners, individual donors and community partners in every provinces and territories. Because of this incredible network, 230,000 children get to enjoy daily breakfast in one of the programs supported by the Club.”

“Today’s donation is also highly symbolic,” he added. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are committed to taking care of their new baby, no matter what may arise. That is exactly what a breakfast program represents in children’s eyes. It’s a warm, welcoming place where they know they will be taken care of, valued as individuals and given a nutritious breakfast in an environment that fosters their health and well-being.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to invite all Canadians to support us in our mission. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,” Germain concluded.

Highlights

  • Funding
    • Will be used to open 5 new breakfast programs in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec (in an Indigenous community)
    • Will benefit 500 children a day for an entire school year
    • Will make it possible to serve 100,000+ breakfasts
    • Will cover food-related expenses.
  • In Canada, one out of four children starts the day without breakfast. That works out to more than 1 million young people who do not have access to a healthy morning meal before they step into the classroom.

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,640 schools from coast to coast feeding over 220,000 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

For further information:
Justine Plourde
Advisor, PR and communications
Breakfast Club of Canada
justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
1 888 442-1217, extension 3369

A YEAR BEYOND BREAKFAST FOR BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA

PUBLICATION OF THE CLUB’S 2017–2018 ACTIVITY REPORT

Boucherville, April 17, 2019 – Breakfast Club of Canada is proud to unveil its activity report for 2017–2018. During this pivotal past year, the Club hosted the Global Child Nutrition Forum, in collaboration with the Global Child Nutrition Foundation and the UN World Food Programme’s Centre of Excellence against Hunger. In addition, the Ministry of Education of Quebec recognized the importance of nutrition in children’s education by creating a policy allowing for more breakfast programs to be created. The report also presents new statistics on the impact of breakfast programs across the country, along with up-to-date information on the Club’s level of involvement depending on the needs of the school communities served.

Highlights

  • For the first time, the report includes a map showing the various roles played by Breakfast Club of Canada in each province and territory. This provides an at-a-glance look at how the Club adapts specifically to various types of needs.
  • In 2017–2018, three innovative projects were set up to help an even greater number of children from coast to coast.
    • In an effort to assist remote communities, an entrepreneurial project was created to feed children in three breakfast programs in La Loche, Saskatchewan, thereby having an impact on the lives of 1,100 students.
    • Neighbouring communities far from urban centres benefited from the Club’s contacts to tap into new supply networks, reduce food-related expenses and enjoy easier access to more nutritious products.
    • A pilot project funded by the Ministry of Family of Quebec was announced to evaluate the impact of breakfast service to early childhood centres.
  • The impact of the Club’s work was also measured through two surveys conducted during the year with the help of the school administrators and parents. The results are summarized in the report.

Quotes

“Not only is our organization feeding more children and experiencing continued growth, we have also taken on a global approach, which has allowed us to galvanize multiple stakeholders and raise awareness about the critical issue of child hunger.”
– Daniel Germain, President and Founder, Breakfast Club of Canada

“Backed by 24 years of experience, Breakfast Club of Canada is now a force to be reckoned with on the Canadian philanthropic scene. We will continue to pull out all the stops to ensure that no child starts their school day on an empty stomach and gets left behind.”
– Pierre Riel, Chair of the Board of Directors

Documentation

Full 2017–2018 activity report here.

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been nourishing children’s potential by making sure as many of them as possible have access to a healthy morning meal before school, in an environment that allows their self-esteem to grow and flourish. But the Club is much more than a breakfast program: we take a broader approach that promotes the core values of engagement, enrichment and empowerment, and we team up with communities and local partners to develop solutions adapted to their specific needs. Operating from coast to coast, Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 220,000 students every day in 1,643 schools.

– 30 –

For more information:
Justine Plourde
Communications Advisor, Public Relations
Breakfast Club of Canada
1-888-442-1217 # 3369
justine.plourde@clubdejeuner.org

MEMBERS APPOINTED TO BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA’S NEXT GENERATION COMMITTEE

Joining Forces to Reach Out to Even More Kids

Montreal, Tuesday, April 30, 2019 – The result of the collaborative efforts of co-chairs Isabelle Lafont and Véronique Arsenault, Breakfast Club of Canada’s Next Generation Committee officially kicked off its operations this week. Sitting on the Committee are six professionals committed to contributing to the Club’s mission of giving children an equal chance to succeed in life. To achieve this goal, the Next Generation Committee will contribute to the Club’s existing fundraisers and introduce new activities, while helping to further strengthen the network of corporate support for the life-changing work done by the organization.

Highlights:

  • The six members of the Next Generation Committee are:
    • Véronique Arsenault, President and Founder, Exponentiel Conseil
    • Isabelle Lafont, Business Development Officer, Verger St-Paul Inc.
    • Christine Barcelo, Director, Rachelle-Béry Marché Barcelo
    • Marie-Catherine Girouard, Commercial Legal Counsel, Aimia Canada Inc.
    • Radosveta Ilieva, Senior Advisor in Enterprise Risk Management, Loto-Québec
    • Marc-Olivier Paquet, Head of Finance, Reflector Entertainment.
  • The Committee’s first assignment will be to help promote the next generation brunch to be held during the Club’s annual golf tournament on June 3.
  • The committee selection process also gave the Club an opportunity to connect with promising new contacts who will serve to expand the organization’s circle of supporters.

Quotes:

“There are still too many people out there who don’t realize the sheer number of children who rely on organizations like Breakfast Club of Canada. I truly believe that, by raising awareness about the Club and its vital mission, we will create a groundswell of support and inspire the business community to get involved and make a real difference for children in need.” — Christine Barcelo, Director, Rachelle Béry Marché Barcelo

“I think this is one of the most heartwarming causes there is in Quebec. And I noticed when I first started thinking about getting involved that the legal community, of which I am a proud member, is underrepresented among Club partners. I plan to leverage my own network of contacts to help diversify this support.”
— Marie-Catherine Girouard, Commercial Legal Counsel, Air Canada

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,640 schools from coast to coast feeding over 220,000 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

For more information:
Justine Plourde
Communications Advisor, Public Relations
Breakfast Club of Canada
justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
1-888-442-1217 #3369

TOMMY KULCZYK APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA

BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec, May 29, 2019 – The Board of Directors of Breakfast Club of Canada is proud to announce the arrival of Tommy Kulczyk as the head of the Club’s management team. He will be tasked with overseeing Canada-wide operations and optimizing the organization’s development in line with the strategic priorities set forth by the Board of directors.

With its 25th anniversary just around the corner, the Club is at a turning point in its history, with a significant growth foreseen in a near future. The organization is dedicated to implementing every possible solution to fully capitalize on opportunities as they arise in order to benefit Canadian children. Adding Mr. Kulczyk to the leadership team is a decision that embodies this ambition.

Highlights

  • With numerous awards and government accolades to his credit, he has earned an outstanding reputation in the non-profit and community services sectors.
  • The projects he has developed and spearheaded have been lauded at the national level and their impact are evergrowing.
  • His 35 years of outstanding contribution to Sun Youth and his recent experience as Montreal’s Commissioner for Children speak volumes about his tireless commitment to the younger generation and the most underprivileged members of our society.

Quotes

“Mr. Kulczyk comes to us with extensive management experience, a remarkable ability to rally stakeholders and institutions together around game-changing initiatives, and an in-depth understanding of the issues facing the Club as well as the socioeconomic and political realities underlying them. “
– Pierre Riel, Chairman of the Board of Directors

“The fact that Tommy Kulczyk accepted our invitation fills us with enormous pride. We believe that his leadership, his humanity, his integrity and his diligence will benefit our organization and the cause we all embrace of nourishing children’s health and potential, one breakfast at a time!”
– Daniel Germain, Founding-President

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,640 schools from coast to coast feeding over 220,000 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

For further information:
Sophie Boulay
Communications Director
Breakfast Club of Canada
514 240-4262
Sophie.Boulay@clubdejeuner.org

$151,700 RAISED BY BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA’S 23RD RENDEZ-VOUS ANNUEL DE LA CLASSIQUE

BOUCHERVILLE, June 4, 2019 – The 23rd Rendez-vous annuel de la Classique benefiting Breakfast Club of Canada took place yesterday. Between the event’s generous sponsors and the hundreds of people who turned out, a total of $151,700 was raised to help the Club nourish children’s potential.

Highlights:

  • The day kicked off with a new activity, a talk moderated by Benoit Gagnon, during which Pierre Riel, Costco’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Eastern Canada Region, answered young professionals’ questions about the connection between doing well in business and doing good in the world.
  • New this year! A bicycle outing was held with the support of Jean Samson and the Défi 911 team. As part of an event organized by Ian Paquette and Nicolas Fradette, this group of police officers has been raising funds for the Club for the past 10 years. They were also honoured for their involvement during the course of the evening.
  • Special thanks go out to the celebrities who have lent the Club their endorsement in recent years. Thank you to Roch Voisine, Andrée Waters, IMA and Gabrielle Destroismaisons for accepting our invitation.
  • The Club is also very grateful to its main financial partners, without whom the event would not have been possible: Fortier Auto, Local 144, ACQ, Costco, Sysco, Subaru Laval, the Air Canada Foundation and ADP.

Citations :

“I am extremely happy and proud to see so many people gathered together and excited to help children reach their full potential. A group of young professionals came out to show their support for the Club for the first time by attending our power brunch, during which Pierre Riel shared his experience with a whole new generation. And once again this year, we were fortunate to enjoy the support of our long-term partners, notably Claude Lacas, who has been the driving force behind this event for 23 years.”
— Daniel Germain, President and Founder, Breakfast Club of Canada

“I’ve just joined the team, but already I can see the tremendous amount of passion and energy that goes into this event. I can only thank our partners and ambassadors who share our conviction that we must all do our part to build our children’s future.”
— Tommy Kulczyk, General Manager, Breakfast Club of Canada

“I’ve had the privilege of contributing to this event for 23 years now. My relationship with the Club is a matter of love and pride. I felt honoured once again this year to be part of this dedicated group of people and to be there to see the next page of the Club’s story be written.”
— Claude Lacas, President, Groupe Conseil C. Lacas

“I’d like to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to all the people who support the Club at events like the golf tournament and in every other way. My brothers, sisters and I were lucky enough to benefit from the Club’s services when we were younger. We got so much out of it! Even though we could have eaten breakfast at home in the mornings, we enjoyed the community experience and the sense of abundance of the breakfast program. It let us meet up with our friends and get our day off to a great start. Thank you to the Club and everyone who gives to it.”
— Gabrielle Destroismaisons, singer and Club ambassador

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,640 schools from coast to coast feeding over 220,000 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

For further information:
Justine Plourde
Advisor, PR and communications
Breakfast Club of Canada
justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
1 888 442-1217, extension 3369

CORA BREAKFAST AND LUNCH DEDICATES A DISH TO BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA

Your next breakfast dish could help impact the future of Canadian children. Cora Breakfast and Lunch has recently released a new menu featuring its Breakfast for the Club. For each Breakfast for the Club ordered, $0.50 will be donated to Breakfast Club of Canada.

In Canada, one in four children is at risk of starting school on an empty stomach. Hunger affects classroom learning (60% of which is done before lunch), behavioural issues such as bullying and social exclusion, as well as overall health and well-being. The Club helps instil good eating habits that contribute to the health and education of our youth.

“The story began in my own home, tells Cora Breakfast and Lunch founder, Cora Tsouflidou. This feeling of having to provide for those who depended on me intensified the day my first grandson was born. We had just opened our first restaurant and every penny counted. Nevertheless, I made it my mission to ensure that my grandchildren would never go hungry. It was an entirely natural step for us to partner with Breakfast Club of Canada.”

Cora restaurants have been long-time partners of Breakfast Club of Canada and are pleased to offer a brand-new dish to support this important cause. The delicious sweet ’n salty breakfast plate will help feed youth across Canada, so they can start their school day with a full tummy and look forward to a brighter future.
“It’s amazing for Breakfast Club of Canada to find partners who understand, such as Cora Breakfast and Lunch restaurants, the importance of breakfast and community,” says Lisa Clowery, Director, Foundations and Corporate Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. Since 2007, Cora renews year after year its support to our cause, while finding new delicious way to feed our appetites!”

A GREAT START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR FOR BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA

Costco Wholesale raises over $1,000,000 for Breakfast Club of Canada through their fundraiser

Boucherville, Quebec – October 30, 2019 – Only a few weeks into the school year, and Costco Wholesale has already made a significant donation to ensuring that children will be starting every morning on a full stomach. Thanks to the generous contributions of their members and the dedication of their employees, more than $1,000,000 has been raised as part of the Add a Breakfast to Your Bill campaign. These funds will help to provide nutritious breakfasts for over 243,000 children.

Highlights:

  • Costco has raised more than $7,200,000 for Breakfast Club of Canada since 2007.
  • This year’s fundraiser was held in a record number of locations, with 111 participating warehouses across Canada.
  • Staff are instrumental in making this fundraiser a success every year. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every Costco employee for their spirit of generosity.

Quotes:

“Costco is dedicated to giving Canadian children and youth the best chances at a happy life, by supporting charities that focus on health and education. Through their commitment, Breakfast Club of Canada is working toward the same goals. We are proud to play our part in making sure Breakfast Club of Canada meets the needs of as many children as possible.”
– Pierre Riel, Senior Vice-President, Country Manager, Costco Wholesale Canada

“Going back to school is an exciting time for every child, and we want to keep it that way. By making sure they have the energy to learn, Breakfast Club of Canada actively works on breaking down barriers for them to grow and thrive. We can only hope to achieve this with the help of our partners, such as Costco Wholesale, who has been supporting us since 2007. Our partnership enables us to dream bigger and reach more children every year.”
– Tommy Kulczyk, General Manager, Breakfast Club of Canada

 

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,809 schools from coast to coast feeding over 243,500 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

Contact:

Justine Plourde
Communications Advisor, Breakfast Club of Canada
justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
1 888 442-1217 # 3369

BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HELPING CHILDREN

Boucherville, November 5, 2019 – Twenty-five years ago, Breakfast Club of Canada served its first breakfast at Lionel-Groulx School in Longueuil, Quebec. The Club has grown considerably since then. Last year, more than 40 million breakfasts were served to over 243,000 children registered with the 1,809 breakfast programs supported by the organization. To celebrate this anniversary, Breakfast Club of Canada has chosen to honour the people behind the Club’s efforts to make a difference in children’s lives and promote school nutrition.

Highlights:

  • Roughly 100 Breakfast Club of Canada employees across the country spent the morning at a local breakfast program to help serve food to students.
  • Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada, and Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director, Impact and Sustainable Solutions, served breakfast at Lionel-Groulx School, where the first breakfast program was established 25 years ago. Daniel and Judith were joined for the occasion by retired principal Thérèse De Clerck.
  • The Club then thanked the partners, volunteers and staff members who have contributed to its success at a celebration looking back at its progress and achievements over the past 25 years.
  • A quarter of a century after it was founded, Breakfast Club of Canada is a recognized leader in school nutrition in Canada, which remains the only G7 country that does not have a national school food program.

Quotes:

“We are very moved and proud to be celebrating the Club’s 25th anniversary today. That’s 25 years of nourishing children’s potential every single morning, giving them the energy to achieve their dreams. All of the supporters who have accompanied us on this journey have contributed in one way or another to giving children an equal chance to succeed. I’m so grateful to all those who, 25 years later, still believe that, together, we can change their lives for the better, one breakfast at a time.”

– Daniel Germain, President and Founder, Breakfast Club of Canada

“The Club’s success is due mainly to the fact that people have come together and worked as a team, starting with Daniel and Judith who have championed this cause for the past 25 years. Joining them have been the volunteers and school staff who have made sure this service is available without fail every morning, bringing nutrition and caring to kids across the country. It’s also about the passion of the Club’s employees, who give their all to help children realize their full potential. And last but not least are our partners and donors who fund 95% of our mission. Without them, we would not be able to do what we do.”

– Tommy Kulczyk, General Manager, Breakfast Club of Canada

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been committed to nurturing the potential of children by ensuring that as many as possible have access to a nutritious breakfast served in an environment that promotes their self-esteem before classes begin. Much more than a breakfast program, the Club’s approach is based on commitment, self-esteem and capacity development. Breakfast Club of Canada helps feed more than 243,000 children and youth in 1,809 schools across the country.

– 30 –

For more information:
Justine Plourde
Communications Advisor, Public Relations
Breakfast Club of Canada
justine.plourde@breakfastclubcanada.org
1-888-442-1217, ext. 3369

APPOINTMENT NOTICE – THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA APPOINTS NEW CHAIR: RENEE MERRIFIELD WASYLYK

Boucherville, November 5, 2019 – Breakfast Club of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the first-ever female to chair its Board of Directors – Kelowna-based entrepreneur, Renee Merrifield Wasylyk.

“I’m delighted to accept this appointment at Breakfast Club of Canada, a worthy organization that helps so many Canadian families.” said Merrifield. “I am excited to help the Club grow its reach and feed more Canadian children towards their full potential.”

Merrifield comes with an impressive wealth of experience, management and leadership skills. She is the founder and CEO of Troika Management Corp., a development corporation with commercial and residential projects and construction companies operating in four provinces.

Renee, also a mother of three, is closely involved in the communities in which she works. She has sat on several boards, including First West Credit Union, Interior Health Authority and Junior Achievement of BC.

Breakfast Club of Canada has counted on Merrifield’s loyal support and counsel for more than 10 years. She joined the Board of Directors in 2011, helping guide the expansion of the Club into Western Canada, and has received numerous prestigious awards over the years, including being named one of the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Most Powerful Canadian Women in 2017 and 2018.

“Renee’s unwavering determination is remarkable and will be key to advancing the Club’s mission of ensuring no Canadian child goes to school hungry.” Said Stephane Bertrand, Chair of the Governance, Audit & Ethics Committee of the Board “Her dynamic personality and business acumen have made her a huge asset to our Board of Directors.”

About Breakfast Club of Canada
Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. The Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,809 schools from coast to coast feeding over 243,500 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

-30-

For further information
Justine Plourde
Breakfast Club of Canada
T.  1 888 442-1217 # 3369
Justine.Plourde@clubdejeuner.org

BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA SET TO ASSESS ITS SOCIAL IMPACT

A great tool to fast-track the development of the Club and its partner organizations
and help the more than 1 million young Canadians who go to school on an empty stomach

Vancouver, British Columbia, November 27, 2019 – With one in four Canadian children going to school without breakfast in 2019 – or one in two in Indigenous communities – more than 1 million students across the country are at risk of starting their day hungry.[1] Outraged by these statistics, Breakfast Club of Canada has decided to take action to bring about change, starting within its own organization. It has therefore spearheaded an in-depth study on the social impact of its work in Canada in an effort to make the most of the resources at its disposal, in synergy with its partner stakeholders.

Since its inception 25 years ago, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with multiple organizations to develop school breakfast programs to fight food insecurity and spur positive, lasting change for children. Despite these efforts, the situation continues to be alarming in Canada, the only G7 country not to have a school food program.

It is important to note that hunger is not always linked to scarcity. Besides a shortage of resources and access to food, there are any number of reasons a child may not have breakfast, among them a long bus ride to school, a rushed morning routine, a shortage of healthy food at home, a lack of appetite when getting out of bed, extracurricular activities before school and family emergencies. School breakfast programs reduce the risk of hunger and improve nutrition while contributing to children’s socioemotional wellness and mental health. These conditions play a predominant role in children’s ability to stay focused in class and succeed academically.

In the effort to make the most out of every donation, as well as leverage partner support to close in on the goal of serving more than 1 million breakfasts every morning in schools across the country, the Club is undertaking an extensive study on its societal influence. Led by the Credo consulting firm, the impact study will consist of an extensive three-year process in order to create a masterplan that meets the nutrition needs of at-risk children in schools and ensures the same quality of service is delivered across Canada. The process will begin with consultations with key student nutrition stakeholders. This will be followed by an evaluation of the various strategic levers and the quantification of the required means. The Club will then begin implementing its new plan, complete with performance indicators that will be assessed annually. The study will be an invaluable source of information in streamlining future initiatives and will allow the Club and its partner organizations to broaden their impact in the coming years.

As part of its partnership with the Club and its ongoing commitment to fighting childhood poverty in Canada, belairdirect sponsored the study. “Breakfast Club of Canada’s mission is essential to many children across Canada,” said Émilie Dutil-Bruneau, Director, Communications, Social Responsibility and Employer Brand at belairdirect. “At belairdirect, we care deeply about supporting organizations that make a difference in our society. We are proud to work with the Club to help them in their crucial mission to fight food insecurity. Funding this impact study is a key component of our partnership, and we see it as the best way to encourage the Club to continue its work. We are very pleased to contribute to effecting positive change.”

“The impact study is a vital step forward in our development, but it is not enough to ensure that all children at risk have access to a wholesome, nutritious breakfast,” said Judith Barry, Co-Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada and Director, Impact and Sustainable Solutions. In Canada, school breakfast programs are backed by various stakeholders. This network, including Breakfast Club of Canada, supports thousands of breakfast programs in high-risk areas, all of which are provided on a universal basis and accessible to the entire school population. As a result, they are open to children who are facing food insecurity, living in low-income households or children that simply can benefit from a healthy breakfast. Existing programs are chronically underfunded, preventing stakeholders from being able to meet the needs of new schools looking to join the Club.

“School nutrition must be a broader society-wide undertaking supported by stakeholders from the public, corporate, charitable and community sectors. We are hard at work bringing everyone together to create lasting solutions and reach our objective faster,” concluded Judith Barry.

The Club’s funding increasingly mirrors the diversity of stakeholders dedicated to the cause. A significant proportion of the work it does is made possible by private donations from partners and individuals. Because of these contributions, the Club now has the capacity to serve over 243,000 breakfasts every morning to 1,809 clubs from coast to coast.

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Breakfast Club of Canada is a charitable organization that provides funding, equipment, training and support to school breakfast programs across the country. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Club is dedicated to ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious morning meal, in a safe and secure environment. Founded in Quebec in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is present in 1,809 schools from coast to coast feeding over 243,500 children every school morning. To learn more visit breakfastclubcanada.org or find us on social media.

– 30 –

For more information:

Tatianna Ducklow
Context: An Argyle Company
1-587-897-7430
tducklow@contextresearch.ca

[1] Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, 2015; BMC Public Health, 2014; World Health Organization, 2012.