Boucherville (QC), March 4, 2026 — Breakfast Club of Canada proudly celebrates 30 years of partnership with Danone Canada, a long-standing partner that has helped expand access to nutritious school breakfasts for children across Canada.

Since 1996, Danone Canada has played a meaningful role in helping the Club evolve and strengthen its approach to school nutrition programs nationwide. Through sustained financial support, the donation of more than 30 million cups of yogurt – including 2.5 million in 2025 alone – and dedicated volunteer employee engagement, Danone Canada has contributed to creating breakfast programs that are consistent, inclusive and thoughtfully designed to meet the realities of each school community.

“Thirty years of partnership represents more than longevity – it reflects a shared commitment to doing things well and with care,” said Judith Barry, Co-founder and Government Relations Director at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Danone Canada’s sustained support has helped us not only grow, but continuously strengthen the quality of our programs across the country. By raising awareness of our mission and the importance of school breakfast programs, they have helped ensure that children can count on a consistent, nutritious start to their day in an environment where they feel valued and supported.”

Throughout the years, Danone Canada’s support has enabled the launch of 17 new breakfast programs in Indigenous communities, reaching close to 3,500 children each school morning. Developed in collaboration with local partners, these programs are grounded in community needs and focused on creating positive morning experiences that support children’s well-being and readiness to learn. “Danone’s mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible naturally reinforces our commitment to ensuring children across Canada have access to nutritious foods and the knowledge to build healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime,” said Frédéric Guichard, President at Danone Canada. “We are proud to support Breakfast Club of Canada with the food we make because we share the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and that starts with a nutritious breakfast every day.” 

As the Club looks to the future, partnerships like this one remain essential to maintaining high standards, deepening impact and ensuring school breakfast programs continue to be spaces where children can thrive.

Together, Breakfast Club of Canada and Danone Canada remain committed to building on this legacy, focusing on quality, care and lasting impact for the children, schools and communities they serve.

About Breakfast Club of Canada  

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X .  

Exploring, tasting and growing: an approach that combines healthy eating and fun

BOUCHERVILLE, March 2, 2026 – As Dietitians of Canada launches its annual Nutrition Month campaign to promote healthy eating habits, Breakfast Club of Canada has joined the movement by highlighting initiatives aimed at serving nutritious and tasty food at school. With this in mind, the Club would also like to raise awareness among the population about the importance of school food programs and encourage them to actively contribute to the well-being of children. In 2025, 97% of the schools surveyed by the organization observed that breakfast programs had a positive influence on students’ eating habits, clearly illustrating the impact of these initiatives on their development.

As a growing number of families and children face food insecurity, access to nutritious food can be a daunting challenge. Household food insecurity is a major public health concern[1] and is affecting communities and institutions as well. According to Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners, this reality also extends to schools, with one in three schools across the country struggling to access nutritious and affordable food. Breakfast programs are therefore an opportunity to create spaces that promote health and learning for children.

“Thanks to the expertise of its team of nutritionists, the Club supports schools in developing varied and nutritious menus by providing them with practical tools for choosing nutritious foods, recipe ideas that are tailored to their reality, and webinars and in-person training sessions to reinforce their daily practices,” said Catherine D’Amours, PDt, Senior Nutrition Advisor at Breakfast Club of Canada.

Sparking curiosity about food

By creating environments that are conducive to trying new things and talking about it, breakfast programs become powerful ways to improve food literacy. They not only help alleviate children’s hunger, but also shape their relationship with food by focusing on curiosity rather than coercion. This approach, which respects each child’s pace, promotes openness and confidence, and encourages them to enjoy eating.

Investing in initiatives that encourage exploring new foods means investing in the health and well-being of future generations. By increasing opportunities to expose children to nutritious foods in a caring and inclusive environment, the Club is laying the foundation for lasting habits, which will have an impact far beyond a child’s school years.

“Every bite is a learning opportunity. Through more positive experiences with food, children can develop varied preferences, which promotes a balanced diet and supports their growth, energy and ability to concentrate,” said Dr. Stephanie Liu, family physician and Breakfast of Canada’s ambassador.

Making nutrition the cornerstone of every initiative

Having been committed to this cause for 30 years, Breakfast Club of Canada supports a variety of support models through a vast network of partners across the country. It plans to continue its work to guarantee a complete and balanced food offering, including foods from the three categories in Canada’s Food Guide (fruits and vegetables, protein foods and whole grain foods), while promoting local sourcing and food self-sufficiency in communities.

For Nutrition Month, the Club encourages everyone to join this movement and recognize the meaningful impact of a nutritious breakfast. A donation allows children to benefit from the Club and the daily discoveries it provides, which have a lasting impact on their lives. Starting now, you can take concrete action to support a child’s journey by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by making a donation at https://www.breakfastclubcanada.org/nutrition-month.

With community involvement at the heart of their corporate mission, our partner Croesus is lending their invaluable support to this campaign. They will double every donation made until March 31.[2] March 31. This means double the impact on local communities and the chance to help even more children reach their full potential.

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About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its sound governance and recognized by Aliments du Québec for its promotion of local food products, in addition to its efforts across Canada, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. Find out more on our website at breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

For further information

Hermanie Desrosiers, Breakfast Club of Canada, 514-882-5218, hermanie.desrosiers@breakfastclubcanada.org

[1] Government of Canada, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, Vol. 45, No. 9, September 2025.

[2] Up to $25,000.

Boucherville – February 13, 2026 – Breakfast Club of Canada is pleased to welcome Treena Amyotte (Regina, SK), Heather Fadali (Toronto, ON), Anik Lapointe (Montreal, QC) and Isobel O’Connell (Vancouver, BC) to its Board of Directors.

“These appointments bring exceptional depth and diversity of expertise to the Club’s governance. Their collective experience and perspectives will strengthen the Board’s leadership and the work of its committees,” stated Jacques Mignault, Chair of the Board.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning marketing, sponsorship, community investment, diversity and inclusion and business development, Treena Amyotte brings profound understanding and expertise in community engagement, policy development and strategic partnerships. She currently holds the position of Director of Indigenous Relations at SaskPower.

Heather Fadali joins the Board with extensive executive management experience at leading Canadian brands, including Loblaw, Tim Hortons and Johnson & Johnson. She is known for driving growth through consumer insight, innovation and strategies that create both community and commercial impact.

Currently Senior Vice-President of Internal Audit at the National Bank of Canada, Anik Lapointe is recognized for advancing strategic transformation and operational excellence. She has successfully led geographically dispersed teams and implemented scalable business models and leadership development initiatives.

An experienced ESG leader, Isobel O’Connell brings more than 20 years of expertise in strategy and non-technical risk management across the energy, mining, infrastructure and maritime sectors. As Strategic Partner at Metagnosis Consulting, she helps organizations translate ESG priorities into resilience, stakeholder confidence and long-term value.

“We are excited to welcome our newly appointed Board members. Their leadership and strategic perspective will be instrumental as the organization continues to grow. I look forward to working together to advance our mission and create a lasting impact for children across the country,” said Julie Desharnais, President and Chief Executive Officer of Breakfast Club of Canada.

To learn more about Breakfast Club of Canada’s current Board members: Board of Directors

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada 

Source: Breakfast Club of Canada 

Boucherville, December 4, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Breakfast Club of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Desharnais as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume her duties on January 12, 2026.

With more than 20 years of experience in the community and philanthropic sectors, Ms. Desharnais has held a range of leadership roles in which she has distinguished herself through her ability to mobilize teams, her strong strategic vision and her enduring commitment to inspiring those she leads, always guided by the desire to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

“It is a privilege to join an organization that makes a tangible difference in children’s lives every single morning, from the Atlantic provinces to British Columbia and across the territories. I will devote all my experience to advancing the Club’s mission, working alongside our teams, partners and communities to carry forward the remarkable work accomplished over the years,” said Julie Desharnais.

Ms. Desharnais began her career as a school-based social worker before moving into the hospital philanthropic network, notably serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Foundation over the past five years. She has also held key roles within national organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society. Known for her ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with donors, partners and governments, she has successfully mobilized essential resources in support of missions with significant social impact.

“Julie Desharnais’ appointment is a natural step for Breakfast Club of Canada. Her experience and strategic insight will strengthen the remarkable work our teams have already accomplished and help further enhance the Club’s impact for children across the country,” stated Jacques Mignault, Chair of the Board of Directors of Breakfast Club of Canada.

As part of this transition, the Board of Directors also extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Tommy Kulczyk for his outstanding commitment as head of the organization. Under his leadership, the Club underwent significant growth and transformation, increasing the number of children reached from 243,000 to more than 890,000 today.

“I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional team whose dedication makes a real difference every day. As I get ready to retire, I pass the torch knowing that the organization will continue to move forward thanks to this incredible team,” said Tommy Kulczyk, outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer.

Supported by its dedicated staff and Board of Directors, the organization approaches this transition with a strong sense of continuity, maintaining its commitment to providing as many children as possible with access to a nutritious breakfast in schools across the country.

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Source: Breakfast Club of Canada

For more information:
Hermanie Desrosiers
hermanie.desrosiers@clubdejeuner.org
514-882-5218

Boucherville – November 21, 2025 – Walmart Canada customers and associates raised $3.8 million to help kids start their mornings with a nutritious breakfast.

From August 29 to October 31, in Walmart Canada’s stores and sites across the country and through Walmart.ca, Canadians came together to raise an incredible $3.8 million for Breakfast Club of Canada, including a $1 million corporate donation from Walmart Canada. These funds will help provide nutritious breakfasts to children across the country so they can head to class fed, focused and ready to learn.

This year’s campaign builds on a collaboration that’s been changing lives for more than two decades. Since 2003, Walmart Canada and its customers and associates have contributed more than $75 million to Breakfast Club of Canada, helping countless children start their day with a nutritious breakfast in a caring and inclusive environment.

For 30 years, the Club has worked tirelessly to give every student from coast to coast to coast an equal opportunity to succeed through providing access to nutritious breakfasts. With the support of partners like Walmart Canada, the Club now reaches over 890,000 children in more than 5,000 breakfast programs across the country.

“This campaign perfectly illustrates what we can accomplish when communities and businesses join forces to support children,” said Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Breakfast Club of Canada. “We’re proud to count on partners like Walmart, whose commitment makes a real difference in the well-being of children across the country.”

“We’re incredibly proud of what our associates and customers have achieved together during this year’s Breakfast Club of Canada campaign,” said Rob Nicol, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Walmart Canada. “Their support means even more children can start their school day fueled to learn, grow and thrive.”

Walmart Canada, Breakfast Club of Canada and thousands of donors are helping children reach their full potential one breakfast at a time.

About Breakfast Club of Canada 

For 30 years, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 

About Walmart Canada 

Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada has made a commitment to regeneration – focusing on equitable opportunity, sustainability, community, ethics and integrity. Since 1994, Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $850 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada’s social media pages– Facebook, X , Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Media Contact 

For more information and to schedule interviews with Breakfast Club of Canada or Walmart spokespeople, please contact: 

Julie Hauville – Communications & Partnerships, Breakfast Club of Canada julie.hauville@breakfastclubcanada.org 

Felicia Fefer – Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada Felicia.Fefer@walmart.com 

Boucherville – September 18, 2025 – Walmart Canada is proud to kick off its annual fundraising campaign for Breakfast Club of Canada with a $1 million contribution to nourish young minds with breakfast programs across the country.

From Sep. 18 to Oct. 10 Walmart Canada invites its customers to make a difference by donating at checkout in-store or online at Walmart.ca to help ensure children start their school day with the fuel they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Marking 23 years of working together, Walmart Canada has grown to become the leading corporate supporter of Breakfast Club of Canada. With over 400 stores from coast-to-coast-to-coast and more than 100,000 passionate associates, Walmart Canada plays a key role in the success of this annual campaign. Since first teaming up with the Club, Walmart Canada has raised and donated over $71 million to support children across the country through programs in hundreds of Canadian communities.

Alongside valued partners like Walmart Canada, Breakfast Club continues to pursue its mission with determination. The need is greater than ever. According to Statistics Canada1, 1 in 3 children in Canada lives in a household facing food insecurity – roughly 2.5 million children. Families are struggling to make ends meet, schools are under-resourced, and too many kids arrive at school hungry. Donations to the Club help bridge this gap, giving every child the energy they need to learn, grow and thrive.

“It’s thanks to dedicated partners, like Walmart, that the Club can make sure that the kids supported by our breakfast programs are able to start their day on equal footing,” said Paul Lethbridge, Director, Corporate and Community Giving. “This is even more important when you know that learning is a lot easier on a full belly. Walmart Canada’s loyal support helps children across the country reach their full potential.”

“Our annual Breakfast Club of Canada fundraising campaign is close to our associates’ and customers’ hearts,” said Rob Nicol, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Walmart Canada. “We know a good breakfast can change a child’s day and fuel them to learn. That’s why we’re all in, year after year. We invite customers to join us in making mornings and futures brighter for kids across Canada.”

Together, Walmart Canada and Breakfast Club of Canada continue to raise awareness of the critical importance of access to a nutritious breakfast throughout the school year because every child deserves to start the day energized with a full stomach and ready to learn.

1 Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 – Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/1310083501-eng

About Breakfast Club of Canada

For 30 years, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About Walmart Canada

Media Contact

For more information and to schedule interviews with Breakfast Club of Canada or Walmart spokespeople, please contact:

Julie Hauville – Communications & Partnerships, Breakfast Club of Canada julie.hauville@breakfastclubcanada.org

Felicia Fefer – Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada Felicia.Fefer@walmart.com

Boucherville, August 19, 2025 – As thousands of students are heading back to class, a harsh reality emerges: Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider, is witnessing a record number of children attending supported breakfast programs. Indeed, nearly one in two children in Québec affirm arriving at school feeling hungry almost every day[1]. Faced with this reality, the organization is launching a fundraising campaign and calling on Quebecers to join the solidarity movement to feed children.

In the context of rising food insecurity, soaring food prices, increased cost of living and the burden of tariffs, families across Quebec are facing impossible choices which directly impact the well-being of children and their capacity to learn. Since 2019, the proportion of children living in a food-insecure household in Québec has risen from 19.8% to nearly 28% in 2024[2], highlighting a concerning increase in recent years. Despite recent commitments by the Government of Quebec, this crisis is creating considerable pressure on schools and organizations such as the Club, which are being called upon more than ever.

“Behind these numbers lies immense potential: talents, voices and dreams at risk due to a lack of access to nutritious food. Breakfast programs are not a universal solution to today’s challenges, but they remain a beneficial intervention for thousands of students throughout the school year,” says Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “Every child deserves an equal chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances,” he adds.

A seat at the table for equality

Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners have seen an average 20% increase in the number of children served in existing breakfast programs over the past few years, across all regions of the province. Today in Quebec, nearly 99,000 children benefit from a nutritious breakfast through over 600 school nutrition programs supported by the Club and its partners, and demand continues to grow. “We recognize the efforts made by the Government of Quebec, particularly through the National School Food Program, which have played an important role in helping schools meet growing needs. Despite these advances, support from all sectors is essential to maintain and expand assistance to ensure every child has the energy to learn,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Whether in urban centres or remote regions, all students deserve access to nutritious school food to support their development and learning. This is an issue that concerns us all,” she adds. Indeed, the Club has observed that one in three schools in Quebec identifies access to healthy, affordable food as a major daily challenge.

Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Let’s choose to feed children well at school.

Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada is proud to place local producers and processors at the heart of its supply chain, providing children with local, sustainable and nutritious food. From its distribution centre in Varennes, the Club and its partners help reach children and communities in all of Québec’s administrative regions. Supporting a range of operational models through its network of Québec partners, the Club is committed to continuing this support and ensuring that nutritional offerings are complete, including access to all three categories of Canada’s Food Guide (protein foods, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains), while also promoting communities’ food sovereignty.

Breakfast Club of Canada is inviting Quebecers to join the solidarity movement and believe in the power of breakfast. Starting today, anyone can help a child reach their full potential by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by donating at breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school.

For this important fundraising campaign, Breakfast Club of Canada can also count on the generosity of Les Producteurs de lait du Québec, which will double donations until October 31, 2025. To raise awareness, ads will be broadcast online and across social media throughout the campaign. Together, let’s help children reach their full potential.

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized by Aliments du Québec au menu for its promotion of local food products, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE: Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). Child well-being outcomes. Consulted on June 3, 2025

[2] Statistique Canada. Tableau 13-10-0835-01 Insécurité alimentaire selon certaines caractéristiques démographiques – DOI : https://doi.org/10.25318/1310083501-fra

Vancouver, August 20, 2025 – As thousands of British Columbian students head back to class, a harsh reality emerges: Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider, is witnessing a record number of children attending supported breakfast programs. Indeed, at least one in three children affirm arriving at school feeling hungry almost every day[1]. Faced with this reality, the organization is launching a fundraising campaign and calling on the population of British Columbia to join the movement to help feed children.

In a context of rising food insecurity, soaring food prices, increased cost of living and the burden of tariffs, families across British Columbia are facing impossible choices which directly impact the well-being of children. Today, at least one in three children lives in a food-insecure household, also making them about 30% of food bank users in the province[2]. Despite the recent governmental commitments, this ongoing crisis is putting unprecedented strain on schools and nonprofits, including Breakfast Club of Canada, which is being called upon more than ever.

“Behind these numbers lies immense potential: talents, voices, and dreams are at risk due to a lack of access to nutritious food. Breakfast programs are not a universal solution to today’s challenges, but they remain a beneficial intervention for thousands of students throughout the school year,” says Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “Every child deserves an equal chance to success,’’ he adds.

A seat at the table for equality

Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners have seen an average 20% increase in the number of children served in existing breakfast programs over the past few years, from coast to coast to coast. Today, over 20,000 children benefit from a nutritious breakfast through over 300 school nutrition programs supported by the Club and its partners, and the demand continues to grow. “We recognize the efforts and initiatives from all levels of government, especially through the National School Food Program, that played an important role in helping schools respond to growing needs. Despite this important step, now more than ever, support from all sectors is essential to maintain and expand programs that ensure every child starts their day with the nourishment they need,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Whether in urban centres or remote regions, access to nutritious food is vital to help students focus, learn and grow. This is an issue that concerns us all,” she adds. Indeed, the Club has observed that one in three schools across the province identifies access to healthy, affordable food as a daily challenge.

Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Let’s make the choice to help feed children at school.

Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada supports a variety of operational models through community partners like Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation and Whistler Community Services Society. The Club is committed to continuing this support while ensuring that every breakfast includes the key components of Canada’s Food Guide (protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) as well as promoting local food sourcing and food sovereignty within communities.

Breakfast Club of Canada is calling on British Columbians to join this movement of solidarity and believe in the power of breakfast. Starting today, anyone can help a child reach their full potential by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by donating breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school.

For this important fundraising campaign, the Club can also count on the generosity of the MTY Foundation, who will match all donations until October 31. To build awareness, ads will be broadcast on TV, online, and across social media throughout the campaign. Together, let’s help children reach their full potential.

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products across Canada, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). Child well-being outcomes. Consulted on June 3, 2025

[2] Food Banks BC Hunger Report 2024, page 11

Edmonton, August 20, 2025 – As thousands of Albertan students head back to class, a harsh reality emerges: Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider, is witnessing a record number of children attending supported breakfast programs. Indeed, at least one in three children in the country affirm arriving at school feeling hungry almost every day[1]. Faced with this reality, the organization is launching a fundraising campaign and calling on the population of Alberta to join the solidarity movement to help feed children.

In the context of escalating food and living costs, increased demands on food banks, and the added burden of tariffs, working families across Alberta are facing impossible choices that greatly impact children’s health and well-being. Today, nearly 40% children live in a food-insecure household[2], an alarming increase of 30% in just one year. This sharp rise gives Alberta the highest child food insecurity rate in all provinces[3]. Despite the recent governmental commitments, this ongoing crisis is putting unprecedented strain on schools and nonprofits, including Breakfast Club of Canada, which is being called upon more than ever.

“Behind these numbers lies immense potential: talents, voices, and dreams at risk due to a lack of access to nutritious food. Breakfast programs are not a universal solution to today’s challenges, but they are a practical, proven support that helps Alberta students succeed throughout the school year,” says Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “Every child deserves an equal chance to success,’’ he adds.

More Than a Meal: Ensuring Every Child Starts the Day Nourished

Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners have seen an average 40% increase in the number of children served in existing breakfast programs over the past few years, from coast to coast to coast. Today, over 37,000 Alberta children benefit from a nutritious breakfast through over 290 school programs supported by the Club and its partners, and the demand continues to grow. “We recognize the efforts and initiatives from all levels of government, especially through the National School Food Program, that contributed to helping schools respond to growing needs. Despite this important step, now more than ever, support from all sectors is essential to maintain and expand programs that ensure every child starts their day with the nourishment they need,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Whether in urban centres, rural areas or remote regions, access to nutritious food is vital to help students focus, learn and grow. This is an issue that concerns us all,” she adds. Indeed, the Club has observed that one in three schools across the province identifies access to healthy, affordable food as a daily challenge.

Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Let’s make the choice to help feed children at school.

Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada supports a variety of operational models through community partners like Edmonton Catholic Schools and Calgary Food Bank. The Club is committed to continuing this support while ensuring that every breakfast includes the key components of Canada’s Food Guide (protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) as well as promoting local food sourcing and food sovereignty within communities.

Breakfast Club of Canada is calling on Albertans to join this movement of solidarity and believe in the power of breakfast. Starting today, anyone can help a child reach their full potential by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by donating at breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school.

For this important fundraising campaign, the Club can also count on the generosity of the MTY Foundation, which will match all donations until October 31. To build awareness, ads will be broadcast on TV, online, and across social media throughout the campaign. Together, let’s help children reach their full potential.

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products across Canada, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). Child well-being outcomes. Consulted on June 3, 2025

[2] Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/1310083501-eng

[3] Idem

Toronto, August 20, 2025 – As thousands of students in Ontario are heading back to class, Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider, is witnessing a record number of children attending supported breakfast programs. Indeed, at least one in three children in the country affirm arriving at school feeling hungry almost every day[1]. Faced with this reality, the organization is launching a fundraising campaign and calling on the population of Ontario to join the movement to help feed children.

In the context of rising food insecurity, soaring food prices, increased cost of living, and the added burden of tariffs, families across Ontario are facing impossible choices, which directly impact the well-being of the youth and their capacity to learn. Today, nearly one in three children lives in a food-insecure household[2], a crisis so severe that several cities, including Toronto, Kingston, and Mississauga, have officially declared food insecurity a state of emergency in recent months. Despite the recent governmental commitments, this ongoing crisis is putting unprecedented strain on schools and nonprofits, including Breakfast Club of Canada, as more families turn to school food programs.

“Behind these numbers lies immense potential: talents, voices and dreams are at risk due to a lack of access to nutritious food. Breakfast programs are not a universal solution to today’s challenges, but they remain a beneficial intervention for thousands of students throughout the school year,” says Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada. “Every child deserves an equal chance to success, no matter their circumstances,” he adds.

A seat at the table for equality

Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners have seen an average 30% increase in the number of children served in existing breakfast programs over the past few years in Ontario. Today, over 650,000 children benefit from a nutritious breakfast through over 3,200 school nutrition programs supported by the Club and its partners, and the demand continues to grow. “We recognize the efforts and initiatives from all levels of government, especially through the National School Food Program, that played an important role in helping schools respond to growing needs. Despite this important step, now more than ever, support from all sectors is essential to maintain and expand programs that ensure every child starts their day with the nourishment they need,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Whether in urban centres or remote regions, all students deserve access to nutritious food at school to support their development and learning. This is an issue that concerns us all,” she adds. Indeed, the Club has observed that one in three schools across the province identifies access to healthy, affordable food as a daily challenge.

Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Let’s make the choice to help feed children at school.

Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada supports a variety of operational models through First Nations partners, as well as Student Nutrition Ontario and its network of regional lead agencies. The Club is committed to continuing this support while ensuring that every breakfast includes the key components of Canada’s Food Guide (protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) as well as promoting local food sourcing and food sovereignty within communities.

Breakfast Club of Canada is calling on Ontarians to join this movement of solidarity and believe in the power of breakfast. Starting today, anyone can help a child reach their full potential by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by donating at breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school.

– 30 –

About Breakfast Club of Canada

Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products across Canada, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). Child well-being outcomes. Consulted on June 3, 2025

[2] Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/1310083501-eng

Toronto, August 20, 2025 – As thousands of students are heading back to class, a harsh reality emerges: Breakfast Club of Canada, the country’s largest school food provider, is witnessing a record number of children attending supported breakfast programs. Indeed, at least one in three children in the country affirm arriving at school feeling hungry almost every day.[1] Faced with this reality, the organization is launching a fundraising campaign and calling on Canadians to join the solidarity movement to feed children.

In a context of rising food insecurity, soaring food prices, increased cost of living and the burden of tariffs, families across Canada are facing impossible choices which directly impact the well-being of children and their capacity to learn. Today, nearly 2.5 million children[2] live in a food-insecure household, which represents a third of the children in the country. This is an alarming increase of nearly 20% in just one year.[3] Despite recent commitments by governments, this surge is putting immense pressure on school and nonprofit organizations, such as the Club, which are being called upon more than ever.

A seat at the table for equality

Breakfast Club of Canada and its community partners have seen an average 30% increase in the number of children served in existing breakfast programs over the past few years, from coast to coast to coast. Today, over 880,000 children benefit from a nutritious breakfast through over 4,900 school nutrition programs supported by the Club and its partners, and the demand continues to grow. “We recognize the efforts and initiatives from all levels of government, especially through the National School Food Program, that played an important role in helping schools respond to growing needs. Despite this step, now more than ever, support from all sectors is essential to maintain and expand programs that ensure every child starts their day with the nourishment they need,” says Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Whether in urban centres or remote regions, all students deserve access to nutritious food at school to support their development and learning. This is an issue that concerns us all,” she adds. Indeed, the Club has observed that one in three schools across the country identifies access to healthy, affordable food as a daily challenge.

Education is essential. So is nutritious food. Let’s make the choice to help feed children at school.

Proud of its 30-year history, Breakfast Club of Canada supports a variety of operational models through its national network. The Club is committed to continuing this support while ensuring that every breakfast includes the key components of Canada’s Food Guide (protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) as well as promoting local food sourcing and food sovereignty within communities.

Breakfast Club of Canada is calling on Canadians to join this movement of solidarity and believe in the power of breakfast. Starting today, anyone can help a child reach their full potential by texting “CLUB” to 20222 or by donating at breakfastclubcanada.org/back-to-school.

For this important fundraising campaign, the Club can also count on the generosity of the MTY Foundation and Les Producteurs de lait du Québec, which will match all donations until October 31. To build awareness, ads will be broadcast on TV, online, and across social media throughout the campaign. Together, let’s help children reach their full potential.

Alberta Press Release – Back-to-School: Hunger Hits Alberta Classrooms

British Columbia Press Release – Back-to-School: Hunger Hits British Columbia Classrooms

Ontario Press Release – Back-to-School: Hunger Hits Ontario Classrooms

Quebec Press Release – Back-to-school: Hunger hits Quebec classrooms

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About Breakfast Club of Canada

SOURCE Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2019). Child well-being outcomes. Consulted on June 3, 2025

[2] Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics DOI: https://doi.org/10.25318/1310083501-eng

[3] Li T, Fafard St-Germain AA, Tarasuk V. (2023) Household food insecurity in Canada, 2022. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF). Retrieved from https://proof.utoronto.ca/

As premiers gather in Ontario for the Council of the Federation, much of their attention will rightly be on economic pressures and trade tensions with the United States. And as they tackle these critical issues, we must not lose sight of the crisis facing our youth, their families, and communities across the country. Now more than ever, it is essential that we place children where they belong: at the heart of our decisions.

Across provinces and territories, there is a shared ambition to provide children with the means to grow up healthy and thrive. Presently, this vision is at risk. Canadian children are under unprecedented strain from economic, social, and health challenges, with food insecurity and poor diet quality widespread. Recent findings from UNICEF indicate that Canada continues to fall behind its peers in key indicators of children’s well-being, particularly in areas such as food security and health[1]. Today, 1 in 3 children, or 2.5 million children, are living in food-insecure households[2]—a shocking 20 percent increase in just one year. And this alarming trend has been consistent over the years.

These facts serve as an urgent reminder that, despite the progress made through bilateral agreements under the National School Food Program and increased provincial and territorial investments to strengthen school meal programs, significant work remains to be done. Given the scope of the crisis, one thing is certain: we must act swiftly and with unwavering commitment.

Over the years, numerous studies have confirmed that access to nutritious food has a direct and life-changing impact on a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Ensuring access to school nutrition is more than a matter of health or education; it’s a long-term investment in the future of our society and the vitality of our country.

At Breakfast Club of Canada, we recognize that governments are facing challenging decisions in the midst of inflation, rising cost of living, and fiscal uncertainty. These challenges only heighten the need to take bold, proactive measures for children. Prioritizing the well-being of our children is an investment in the prosperity and resilience of Canada as a whole. By placing children’s development at the forefront and supporting families, we help build the foundation for Canada’s future.

This is why, in the same spirit of respect and partnership, we offer this reflection: only by expanding and securing permanent investments in school food programs can we provide our children with the safety net they rightfully deserve, laying a foundation that empowers them to reach their full potential.

Let’s keep the momentum and continue to build on the spirit of collaboration that has brought the Government of Canada and the governments of provinces to adopt national school food programs over the last years. Now is the moment to stand together around one simple truth: every child deserves a fair chance in life. Addressing school hunger is a shared responsibility and a challenge that we can collectively address. As children should be at the centre of our decision, let’s put their well-being at the top of our agenda by making such programs and their appropriate public funding permanent. Therefore, we ask our public decision-makers to act accordingly. This cause is too important for the future of our country.

Tommy Kulczyk, President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada

[1] UNICEF Report Card 19, How does Canada rank in child well-being among wealthy nations?

[2] Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0835-01 Food insecurity by selected demographic characteristics