It was a relaxing two weeks off on winter break for local students- but now it’s time to get back to business!
That’s also the case for Destination Church, who currently provide 118 lunches each day for students in 6 elementary schools across St. Thomas.
Program Coordinator Jane Schalk shares the scope at which the program has grown since they first started out.
It’s 100% volunteer run notes Schalk, with roughly 30 individuals helping to ensure our local students don’t go hungry.
But unfortunately with the rising cost of groceries, Schalk says their resources are dwindling as the program relies solely on community donations.
The church does receive some food donations from local organizations such as Harvest Hands and a market down in London.
But as Schalk explains, a majority of the food is purchased- coming at a cost of about $3000 per month.
With over a hundred students relying on Destination Church each day, Schalk says they are now reaching out to the community.
Schalk adds that they are so grateful for the continued support they’ve received thus far.
More than 20,000 lunches were made and shared with students across St. Thomas in 2023 thanks to this ever important program.
For those in the position to support the Brown Bag Lunch Program at Destination Church, donations can be made by…
- Mailing a cheque to church and with the memo being ‘school lunches’ – Destination Church 668 Talbot St., St Thomas N5P 1C8
- Etransfer to destinationtreasurer@gmail.com – put all details in memo, (name, address, designation for school lunches)
- Online at Destinationchurch.ca to donate via credit card.
Written by: K. Freeman
