Some kids in N.S. don’t eat on weekends. These volunteers are changing that

Many students in Nova Scotia rely on school meals for their breakfast and lunch, but what happens when the weekend comes around? That’s where Doris Walton steps in with her program, After the School Bell, in Amherst, N.S. Started in 2017, this initiative sends bags of food home with students in need every Friday afternoon.

Walton, motivated by the high rates of child poverty and food insecurity in Nova Scotia, organized a team of about 30 volunteers who shop, pack, and deliver food to nine elementary schools and four high schools. The bags are given to 197 students each week, providing them with essential nutrition over the weekend.

The impact of After the School Bell is significant, as Walton noted that children are returning to school on Mondays no longer hungry. With Nova Scotia having the highest rates of child poverty and food insecurity in Canada, initiatives like this are crucial for supporting families in need.

In addition to After the School Bell, similar programs have been established in the Annapolis Valley and Truro. Gaetane Archibald runs Valley After the Bell in New Minas, providing food to 120 students per week. Lola Brown and Sylvia Estey operate the Truro Elementary Backpack Program, delivering backpacks of food to 39 students at Truro Elementary School.

These programs rely on fundraising, donations, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to continue supporting students in need. Walton, Archibald, Brown, and Estey are passionate about making a difference in their communities and are open to offering advice and support to anyone looking to start a similar initiative.

The impact of these programs goes beyond providing food; it shows students that someone cares about them and is looking out for their well-being. Melissa Higgins, a child and youth care practitioner at Truro Elementary School, sees firsthand how grateful and excited the students are for the support they receive.

As initiatives like After the School Bell continue to grow and expand, the hope is to eventually offer programs in every school in Nova Scotia and beyond. With a focus on alleviating food insecurity and supporting families in need, these programs are making a significant difference in the lives of students across the province.