Helping To Provide Wholesome Meals To Children Through The We Are One Lunch Program

The We Are One Lunch Program is excited to announce that they received funding for their first pilot project in the Windsor Essex community from several generous sponsors.

Sponsors include IBEW Local 773, Unifor 444, Green Heart Lunch Club, Ontario Real Estate Association, Kelsey Quick of and Tany Quick of RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Pinnacle Plus Realty Ltd., Empire Communications, Adesco of North America, Medica Pharmacy, Abraham’s Jewellery, CanAm Currency Exchange, Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge, Nico’s Taverna, Spago, La Contessa Ristorante, Bacchus Ristorante, Millwright Regional Council, UA Local 853, Teamsters Local Union 879, Ironworkers Local 700, Intl. Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128, Intl. Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 6, Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 95, UA Local 527 Plumbers, Steamfitters & Welders, Local 46 Painters & Allied Trades, Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Local 235, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, Local 494, Operative Plasterers’, Cement Masons’, and Restoration Steeplejacks’ International Association Local 598 

Roseville Public School was chosen by their Executive Team for the Windsor Essex pilot project. Each of the 232 students present and registered for the program will enjoy a nutritious lunch at no cost to their families between February 20 and March 29, 2024.

The organization has chosen Windsor Essex local restaurants to supply the lunches.

The Principal of Roseville Public School, Tracy Dempsey states: “Every child deserves to know that their basic needs will be met. The ability for students to focus and nourish their mind and body while supporting their well-being is essential, and respects their identity and dignity. Students who know they have access to lunch and have food security are better able to regulate and focus on what really matters for their success and the world of learning! We are proud and humbled to be on the forefront of this important program and are grateful for the benefits that will impact students’ lives’ daily, and be of benefit to the larger community.” 

Canada is in dire need of a federally funded national school lunch program. We are the only G7 country without one.

Recently, Food Banks Canada announced over 2 million food bank visits in Canada within one month (March 2023), and 1/3 of those are children. Stat.Can. reports that 21% of Windsor Essex children and youth are living in low-income housing. Investing in our children’s nutrition is imperative to their continued health and success. 

The We Are One Lunch Program social enterprise model strives to collaborate with educational institutions, government agencies, and local communities to implement, and sustain a comprehensive and nutritious national school lunch program.

Their goal is to work hand in hand with all levels of our government to provide all children in Elementary Schools with a funded National Nutritional Lunch Program, daily. Tackling childhood hunger requires a community effort and the We Are One Lunch Program strategy of both feeding hungry children and creating jobs within each community is the only way for that community to continue to thrive and be sustainable. 

They are looking for cooperation from parents, teachers, and students.

Reach out to your local MPs for Federal Government cooperation and future funding. Windsor West – [email protected], Windsor Tecumseh – [email protected] Windsor Tecumseh – [email protected] and Essex – [email protected]