The United Way of Chatham-Kent is helping out hundreds of children in need during the COVID-19 pandemic by altering one of its regular programs.
The CK Student Nutrition Program normally provides healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks to young people in need at schools across the municipality.
However, according to Karyn O'Neil, director of programs and services, school closures due to the pandemic brought a new set of worries to families dealing with poverty.
O'Neil said the United Way heard from educators, parents and community partners who were concerned about the children who rely on the Student Nutrition Program not having access to food while having to stay at home for an extended period of time.
"A lot of these folks are worried about these children who in the first place rely heavily on the Student Nutrition Program. So with the announcement that schools were going to be closed longer, came a higher level of concern," explained O'Neil.
The United Way of Chatham-Kent worked with program coordinators and several donors to mobilize the program and make it accessible during the pandemic, turning it into the COVID-19 CK Student Nutrition Food Assistance Program.
"Now what happens is parents can just go to ckgives.ca. They'll find a place where they can register for some financial support for groceries," said O'Neil. "They place their registration in, then at the end of the week we send out a grocery card."
The updated program has been underway for three weeks now. As of April 17, O'Neil said that 750 families across Chatham-Kent have accessed the program, benefiting 1,200 students of all ages. In total, $40,000 is invested in the program with $19,000 in grocery cards already distributed.
In addition to the grocery gift card, applicants also get a letter that provides a detailed list of other services and support that's available for anyone struggling during the pandemic.
However, O'Neil said there is still a long road ahead.
"The need is going to just grow as school closures continue," she said. "We are definitely still looking for donors to support that program. We have had some great individuals come forward as well as a couple of companies."
For more information on how to access the program and information on how to donate, click here.
