Harvest feeds 35,000 children every month. Some of these children are supported through weekly school programs, but have little or no access to food on weekends. Suffering from a lack of nutrition puts children at risk and hinders their ability to grow, learn and succeed.
To address this need, Harvest first launched its Breakfast2Go program three years ago at Mulvey School. The next year it was expanded to include Pinkham and Victor H.L. Wyatt Schools. Through the program, every student receives a Breakfast2Go Kit with two take home meals for the weekend.

“The Breakfast2Go Kits are packed in our warehouse every Thursday and delivered to the schools every Friday,” said Mika Peterson, Community Events Manager and the program’s coordinator. “The Kits are then distributed to students at the end of the day for them to take home and enjoy over the weekend. “

Impact & Results
The results of the program have been overwhelming. Students benefit physically, emotionally, communally and — academically. By filling the weekend food void for children and providing them with access to healthy food on the weekends, principals and teachers report several demonstrated benefits including a decrease in sick days, an increased ability to focus and better test scores, and an increase in student self-esteem and self-image.

“The program has been a great success,” said Mulvey School Principal Peter Correia. “We’ve seen improved attendance, academics and more students that are engaged and focused on Monday morning.”

Emotional Nutrition
Breakfast2Go Kits include items like cereal, yogurt, and fruit, and individual, inspirational messages which affirm self-worth, and encourage self-value. These are highly valued by the students to the point where they have been collected, traded, and in one case, made into a memento book of that student’s school year.

Student Leadership & Pride
In the most recent program report, 95% of surveyed students stated they were excited to come to school on Fridays and receive their Breakfast2Go Kits.

“The Breakfast2Go Program also provides an excellent opportunity for student leadership as they are actively engaged in the distribution of kits going home, writing the positive affirmation notes, a voice at the nutrition focus groups as well as further promoting the health and wellness of students. The Breakfast 2 Go Program has been a great benefit to the Mulvey School Community.” said Principal Correia.

Nourishing Kids & Community
Due to the success of the program, and the generosity of partners and Manitobans, 25,000 Breakfast2Go kits have been distributed to date. The program will be expanded this fall to include two new schools – Machray School and Fort Rouge School.

“When they say, it takes a village, it is certainly true, and we are so grateful for the support we receive from funders and the community,” said Peterson. “Programs like Breakfast2Go break the cycles of poverty and ultimately create a nourished community for all its members, and Manitobans benefit.”