In 2012, Campbell River United Church became aware that a number of children attending the school which shares our parking lot (Pinecrest Elementary) were coming to school without the benefit of a nutritious breakfast. Children who don’t eat breakfast have difficulty concentrating in school with memory, behaviour and school attendance all adversely affected when kids are hungry. In fact, studies show that not eating breakfast can have a long-term impact on overall health and academic achievement.
Campbell River United Church, in cooperation with Pinecrest School, decided to remedy this situation for the children in our neighbourhood. In September 2013, the Church started a breakfast program that fed hungry kids every school day throughout the 2013-14 school year and has continued to do so ever since. Breakfast is served in the Fellowship Hall (accessed from the upper parking lot) every morning from 8 to 8:30am.
With over 25 Volunteers (both Church and non-Church members) involved, this community outreach project helps ensure that all neighbourhood school children have access to a delicious and nourishing breakfast served in a welcoming and inclusive environment every school day. Any child attending Pinecrest School is welcome to participate. We currently serve an average of 35-40 children per day.
Funding for this program has been generously provided by a grant from the Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery ProVision Fund, School District 72 Feeding Futures School Foods program as well as donations from the United Church congregation and community groups.
Aimee Minor, Coordinator for the Breakfast Club, oversees menu planning, shopping, volunteer training and scheduling.
Financial donations are welcome from individuals and from community groups. For further information please call:
Church office at 250-286-0431
Aimee Minor (Coordinator) 250-218-2488
Or stop by the church office Wednesday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.