News
September 15, 2025
Food insecurity hits an all-time high for children at school, says Kitchener charity
Erin Moraghan, CEO of Nutrition for Learning, says the need for food this school year is expected to be greater than it has been in 31 years.
**Kitchener Schools Face Unprecedented Levels of Child Hunger, Charity Warns**
Kitchener schools are bracing for a surge in food insecurity among students this academic year, according to Nutrition for Learning, a local charity that has been working to combat child hunger for over three decades. The organization's CEO, Erin Moraghan, issued a stark warning, stating that the demand for food assistance in schools is projected to reach its highest point in the charity’s 31-year history.
This alarming prediction underscores the growing challenges families face in providing adequate nutrition for their children. Rising food prices, coupled with economic instability, are pushing more and more households into a precarious situation where putting food on the table becomes a daily struggle. The impact of this struggle is felt acutely in the classroom, where hungry children struggle to concentrate, learn, and thrive.
Nutrition for Learning plays a vital role in bridging this gap by providing nutritious snacks and meals to students in Kitchener schools. Their programs aim to ensure that all children have access to the nourishment they need to succeed academically and reach their full potential. The charity works closely with schools and community partners to identify students who are at risk of food insecurity and provide them with discreet and supportive assistance.
"We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of children who are coming to school hungry," Moraghan explained. "A hungry child cannot focus on learning. They are distracted by their physical discomfort, and their ability to absorb information is significantly diminished."
The anticipated surge in demand is putting a strain on Nutrition for Learning's resources. The charity is appealing to the community for increased support to help them meet the growing need. Donations of food, funds, and volunteer time are crucial to ensuring that no child in Kitchener goes hungry at school.
The situation highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address food insecurity in the region. While Nutrition for Learning and similar organizations provide essential support, broader solutions are needed to tackle the root causes of poverty and ensure that all families have access to affordable and nutritious food. In the meantime, the charity is committed to doing everything it can to support the children of Kitchener and alleviate the immediate impact of hunger on their education and well-being.
Kitchener schools are bracing for a surge in food insecurity among students this academic year, according to Nutrition for Learning, a local charity that has been working to combat child hunger for over three decades. The organization's CEO, Erin Moraghan, issued a stark warning, stating that the demand for food assistance in schools is projected to reach its highest point in the charity’s 31-year history.
This alarming prediction underscores the growing challenges families face in providing adequate nutrition for their children. Rising food prices, coupled with economic instability, are pushing more and more households into a precarious situation where putting food on the table becomes a daily struggle. The impact of this struggle is felt acutely in the classroom, where hungry children struggle to concentrate, learn, and thrive.
Nutrition for Learning plays a vital role in bridging this gap by providing nutritious snacks and meals to students in Kitchener schools. Their programs aim to ensure that all children have access to the nourishment they need to succeed academically and reach their full potential. The charity works closely with schools and community partners to identify students who are at risk of food insecurity and provide them with discreet and supportive assistance.
"We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of children who are coming to school hungry," Moraghan explained. "A hungry child cannot focus on learning. They are distracted by their physical discomfort, and their ability to absorb information is significantly diminished."
The anticipated surge in demand is putting a strain on Nutrition for Learning's resources. The charity is appealing to the community for increased support to help them meet the growing need. Donations of food, funds, and volunteer time are crucial to ensuring that no child in Kitchener goes hungry at school.
The situation highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address food insecurity in the region. While Nutrition for Learning and similar organizations provide essential support, broader solutions are needed to tackle the root causes of poverty and ensure that all families have access to affordable and nutritious food. In the meantime, the charity is committed to doing everything it can to support the children of Kitchener and alleviate the immediate impact of hunger on their education and well-being.
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Politics