At summerlunch+, we're dedicated to providing every child in Toronto with year-round access to nutritious meals and vital food education. Founded by Susan Wright in 2015, our program has grown significantly, catering to 1,000 kids daily by 2019. When 2020 posed new challenges, we launched 'summerlunch+ at Home' to foster sustainable, healthy habits in family cooking.

While over 600,000 students in Ontario access free meals during the school year, a glaring gap exists during the summer months. This is where summerlunch+ steps in.

Why is this critical?

1. Kids face academic setbacks during summer due to learning loss.
2. Food insecurity can hinder their ability to enjoy summer activities.
3. There's a worrying global decline in home cooking coupled with an increase in processed food consumption.
4. Rising food prices, especially in Ontario, stress the need for kids to gain skills and knowledge to prepare healthy, affordable meals.
5. Consumption of processed foods is leading to health issues such as diabetes and obesity in children.

Our solution? A summer program offering:

1. An 8-week, dietitian-led, hands-on food literacy curriculum.
2. Fresh meal ingredients weekly.
3. Engaging live virtual cooking classes.
4. Fun, themed activities each week.
5. 25 vegetarian and halal recipes focused on health and sustainability.

What Do We Need?

We urge the Ontario government to recognize and support summer food programs like summerlunch+. By doing so, we can:

• Bridge the Gap: Ensure uninterrupted access to nutritious meals throughout the year.
• Empower our Youth: Equip them with essential skills for informed food decisions.
• Champion Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly practices and a shift away from processed foods.

Together, let's ensure children receive healthy meals, vital learning opportunities, and the fun they deserve during the summer. This comprehensive approach ensures they return to school in September, healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.

Support our cause. Dive deeper into our mission and let the Ontario government know that summer food programs are crucial for the holistic development of our students. Sign our petition today. 

www.summerlunchplus.com