Nutrition for Learning Addresses Rising Hunger Among Kids in Waterloo Region

A non-profit in Waterloo region reports a rise in hungry children. Nutrition for Learning aims to provide meals for school children. The organization faces reduced funding from local partners. Erin Moraghan, the CEO, shared this information on The Morning Edition with guest host Josette Lafleur. She highlighted their hope for new federal funding. The funding will support feeding 160,000 students over the next three years.

How can the community support Nutrition for Learning’s mission to feed hungry children?

Interview with Erin Moraghan, CEO of Nutrition for Learning

Conducted by Josette Lafleur on The Morning Edition

Josette Lafleur: Thank you for joining us today, Erin. It’s concerning to hear about the rise in hungry children in the Waterloo region. Can you explain what you’ve been observing lately?

Erin Moraghan: Thank you for having me, Josette. Yes, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of children facing food insecurity in our schools. Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to healthy meals, and the uptick in demand has been alarming.

Josette Lafleur: That sounds very challenging. How is Nutrition for Learning currently addressing this growing issue?

Erin Moraghan: Our organization provides nutritious meals and snacks in schools to support students’ learning and well-being. Even though we have been able to adapt and provide meals to many kids, the increased demand is certainly putting a strain on our resources.

Josette Lafleur: You mentioned resource strain. Can you elaborate on how reduced funding from local partners is impacting your programs?

Erin Moraghan: Absolutely. Over the past year, we’ve faced cutbacks from several local funding partners. This has created a gap that we need to fill in order to sustain our operations. We’re concerned about how this will affect our ability to serve the growing number of children in need.

Josette Lafleur: Clearly, this is a tough situation. You also mentioned the hope for new federal funding. How significant would this be for your efforts?

Erin Moraghan: Securing federal funding would be a game-changer for us. Our goal is to support feeding 160,000 students over the next three years. This additional funding would not only help us maintain our current programs, but also expand our reach to more schools and children who desperately need our support.

Josette Lafleur: What steps are you taking to pursue this federal funding?

Erin Moraghan: We’re actively engaging with government representatives and advocacy groups to highlight the necessity of this support. Our aim is to demonstrate the importance of healthy nutrition in the education and development of children, which in turn fosters a healthier community.

Josette Lafleur: what message would you like to convey to the community regarding this issue?

Erin Moraghan: I’d like to remind everyone that no child should go hungry. We deeply appreciate the support we’ve received from our community, and we encourage everyone to join us in advocating for our children’s nutritional needs. Together, we can make a difference.

Josette Lafleur: Thank you so much for your time, Erin, and for the vital work you and your team are doing at Nutrition for Learning.

Erin Moraghan: Thank you, Josette. It’s an honour to share this important topic with your audience.