We were joined by Shoraez Shahjahan of ONEXONE Foundation to discuss the First Nations School Breakfast Program.
ONEXONE’s vision is to improve the lives of children in Canada, the USA and around the world with programs dedicated to five fundamental pillars: water, health, education, play and nutrition. Founded in 2005, ONEXONE works closely in partnership with carefully selected local organizations on the ground in each area of focus around the globe. Together with these partner organizations they implement and operate a variety of charitable programs and initiatives that align with their ultimate goal to alleviate suffering and preserve the lives of children the world over. Some of the projects supported by ONEXONE have included relief after the Haiti earthquake of 2010, clean water in Africa, safeplay in Chad and the First Nations School Breakfast Program.
The First Nations School Breakfast Program was developed in 2007 in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and PepsiCo Canada with the goal of ensuring the availability of healthy food to all First Nations children in the school setting. Since inception, this program has raised $20M. First Nations children suffer the greatest levels of poverty among all children in Canada with 40% of First Nations children living in poverty as compared to national average of 17% of children. It has been proven that a health breakfast results in scholastic and behavioural improvements. The ONEXONE First Nations School Breakfast Program provides breakfast for children each school day receiving a minimum of three of the four food groups daily. Along with providing food and funding for food, the program provides access to food safety and security training to make the program a success. The program currently supports 35 communities often in very remote locations with large logistical challenges. The cost per meal on average is approximately $1 and the programs’ success is evaluated annually.
Our club is supporting the First Nations Breakfast program this year for $5000 from the international allocations committee for Mine Centre School which is northwest of Lake Superior midway between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. This school has approximately 150-200 students and has been supported by ONEXONE for 6 years formerly by the Rotary Club of Burlington North. The school will get 2 shipments annually of dry goods and non perishables including support from Pepsi of in-kind products. Our funding will assist in acquisition of the fresh and perishable foods which are purchased locally. Incoming President Gerry presented Shoraez with the cheque for our support.
For further information on ONEXONE go to their website at http://www.onexone.org/.
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