Hunger in Moose Jaw's 'I Bought a Lunch' campaign has once again exceeded its fundraising goal, raising nearly $80,000 to guarantee that its school nutrition program will continue providing a nutritionally balanced daily lunch to hundreds of lower-income kids.
"I think it's amazing. Every year, the community backs us in this program," said Sharla Sept, Hunger in Moose Jaw's executive director.
"As (we've said), the costs of making these lunches have gone up, and the number of children we're serving has gone up. Last year, at this time, we were serving lunches to around 320 kids and as the year went on, we gradually moved up to the 400 mark.
"But as of yesterday, we're right at 400, and it's only November. So, we're going to see that increase. We know it, we've anticipated it in our fundraising goal, and having the community support us and rally around us is phenomenal."
This year's I Bought a Lunch fundraising goal was $75,000. As of the campaign's end on Nov. 17, nearly $80,000 had been raised.
For 12 years, the campaign's goal was $50,000. Rising costs forced the charity to raise its goal last year in 2022 because of increasing pressure on lower-income families.
"This money will go directly to food costs in supporting our program," Sept said. "We'd like to offer a huge 'thank you' to the community of Moose Jaw.
"We collected donations again through the Moose Jaw Co-op, who are fantastic, as well as CIBC and Conexus, Gary Overs, and Spike Grooming. Shout out to all of them for doing that over the last few weeks, it's been great."
Hunger in Moose Jaw is a non-profit that runs nutrition education programs, offers low-cost options for healthy food, organizes community gardens throughout the city, and runs a free preschool for qualifying families.
The organization's most prominent focus is its school lunch program, providing daily meals to numerous Moose Jaw schools so children in need can learn on a full stomach. Dedicated staff and volunteers make the lunches fresh each day. Each lunch comes with a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, and snack, as well as a dairy product.
"We're always still accepting donations," Sept added, "I have lots of people ask me that now that the campaign is over. You can still donate!"
Hunger in Moose Jaw accepts donations year-round through its website at hungerinmoosejaw.org, or by drop-off at their office at 269 Stadacona St. West.
In response to some providers blocking access to Canadian news on their platforms, our website, MooseJawToday.com will continue to be your source for hyper-local Moose Jaw news. Bookmark MooseJawToday.com and sign up for our free online newsletter to read the latest local developments.
