Hunger in Moose Jaw is launching its 13th annual "I Bought a Lunch" fundraising campaign, which will run from Oct. 10 to Nov. 17 to help the organization serve an estimated 70,000 lunches to underprivileged schoolchildren in Moose Jaw schools in 2023-24.
"With increased need and rising food costs, our lunch costs have doubled this year," said Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw (HiMJ). "In the past, we have seen the generosity of Moose Jaw's citizens and business community, and Hunger in Moose Jaw is asking that they come along again to support this mission."
Sept hopes that the I Bought a Lunch campaign will be able to raise at least $75,000 this year.
The campaign will kick off with a table at the Moose Jaw Co-op Food Store on Oct. 10. Shoppers and supporters are welcome to stop by to visit, learn more about HiMJ's programs, and make a donation to the I Bought a Lunch fundraiser.
Hunger in Moose Jaw is a non-profit charity that runs nutrition education programs, helps supply healthy and affordable food to struggling families, organizes community gardens in Moose Jaw, and runs a free preschool for low-income families.
The organization's most prominent focus is its school lunch program, which provides a vital daily meal so children in need can learn and enjoy school on a full stomach.
“This year, approximately 400 children are being provided with a daily lunch in a Moose Jaw school," Sept stated. "Each lunch is nutritionally balanced, and our talented staff creates these fresh-made lunches daily. Each contains a sandwich, fruit, veg, and snack, as well as a milk/milk product daily. This year we are estimated to serve 70,000-plus lunches.
"We strive to provide children with consistent lunches that help to support a child’s learning. Full stomachs support increased concentration which provides a positive school experience for each and every child.
"You can get involved by making a donation, have your business collect donations, or have your business sponsor lunch supplies for a week."
All donations over $10 will receive a charitable receipt.
There are multiple ways of donating to the campaign, including stopping by the HiMJ office at 269 Stadacona Street West, by e-transfer to hunger.moosejaw@sasktel.net (please include contact info for tax receipt purposes), and stopping by the Moose Jaw Co-op table on Oct. 10 with cash, cheque, or debit.
Businesses that want to help with Hunger in Moose Jaw's fundraising efforts should contact Sharla Sept at hunger.moosejaw@sasktel.net.
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