What started in 2015 as a small lunch program in Niagara Region has grown into a region-wide movement, delivering more than 5,000 healthy lunches every week to over 1,750 children across 44 Niagara schools.

About 170 volunteers contribute to Community Crew programs and come together every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Central Niagara to pack about 5,000 lunches. The lunches contain a dairy product, a vegetable, protein, and a snack, and they are provided for children with special dietary needs, while children in grades 7 and 8 receive a little extra. The lunches also include an uplifting note inside, providing a touch of encouragement for each child. The charity recently initiated a “lunch hangouts” program for children in some schools, where teachers and volunteers can spend time with the children.

Community Crew is supported by corporate donations, along with grants, fundraisers, and bingo revenue. Recently, groups like the Niagara District Basketball Referees Association donated about $800, and the Niagara Falls Optimist Club is preparing to give a major $50,000 donation to support school lunches in Niagara Falls. Local volunteers like Cosmo Condina have also helped bring the program to schools in Niagara-on-the-Lake through partnerships with community groups.

You can support Community Crew and its work further by visiting the Community Crew website.

Source: Kevin Werner, Niagara This Week