It seems that every time I turn on the radio or open a newspaper there is yet another layoff or closure.  The word ‘Recession’ is being thrown around by my friends and fears are rising as many Canadians are bracing for a potentially difficult time.

As we are becoming more and more cautious with our outlook on the days ahead, I cannot help but consider how this will impact children.  As you probably know, children are concerned with their most immediate needs – a scratch needs a Band-Aid, a favourite teddy or blanket must be found before bed, or I’m sure you’re familiar with ‘I have go to the bathroom NOW!’ Children haven’t yet developed the coping strategies necessary to endure difficult times or understand why their needs are not immediately met.  How then might an empty lunch bag or refrigerator make a hungry child feel?  How will those feelings then express themselves on the playground or in the classroom?  How might these feelings if repressed then play out in the long-term? 

Children who experience chronic hunger experience feelings of isolation and confusion, can develop numerous health problems, have difficulty sleeping and cannot perform as well in school.   

Reliable access to nutritious meals and snacks is immediately necessary for these children.  And while CEF is facing the same struggles the rest of the country is facing, we need your help more than ever to continue to feed children in our network of over 430 breakfast clubs and snack programs across Canada.  Without you we will have to reduce the work we do, and that means reducing the number of children we serve as we approach the 2008-2009 school year. 

Child poverty in Canada is real.  It exists even with all our collective efforts.  Together, I believe we have the strength to find our way to better days ahead.  But for right now, these children need everything we can give.

Sincerely,

Jill 

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