The breakfast program at Abbey Lane Elementary School is about to get an upgrade thanks to the generosity of Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc. agents in Oakville and Mississauga.
Spearheaded by REALTOR® Sandi Puddefoot, whose children attended Abbey Lane, agents donated money, food and a new electric frying pan to help make sure children are able to start their day off right.
Puddefoot said she has seen the breakfast program grow over the past seven years and it now feeds more than 100 students.
“[The program] was so small when we first started, but it’s much more impressive now,” she said. “Volunteers serve cereals, fresh fruit, juice, eggs and toast. Better than most buffets!”
The Abbey Lane Elementary School breakfast program is a partnership with Halton Food For Thought and relies entirely on food donations and volunteer time to prepare meals.
Although Oakville is a relatively affluent area, food security is an issue for many families and according to Halton Food For Thought, each day one in 10 children arrive at school hungry. Program coordinator Nancy Hardcastle said the benefit of a daily breakfast program is twofold: it provides students with the nutrition necessary for academic success, and it destigmatizes food insecurity.
“The program is available to any student who wants to use it,” Hardcastle said. “This way instead of kids feeling singled out, they see this as a time to eat together socially and develop healthy eating habits.”
Tina Gardin, broker of record at Sutton Group – Quantum Realty Inc., said she is delighted with the results of the food drive. “There are so many ways to get involved in our community and when one of our agents supports a cause that’s close to them it’s amazing to see how the rest of the brokerage bands together to make a real difference.”
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
