Many of you know that we are the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution
Ambassadors for Kitchener Waterloo, which makes us very interested in local
food programs. We talk about everything
from Farm to Table at the Kitchener Market to ways the community can help
Nutrition for Learning, our local school breakfast program.
When we learned that Nutrition For Learning benefits from the #Toonies4Tummies
Campaign organized by The Grocery Foundation, we
knew this was something we wanted to be involved with.
Southwestern
Ontario Student Initiative
MacKenzie
Wilson is one of the Grocery Foundation’s Agents of Change. You can learn about the event she organized
at Waverly Public School in Guelph Ontario by reading the Guelph Mercury story
at http://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/7070794-breakfast-event-highlights-need-for-guelph-school-food-programs
We had the opportunity to interview Mackenzie about her
experience as a Grocery Foundation Agent of Change. Here’s what she had to say.
1. How did you first get involved with the Grocery
Foundation?
I first
got involved with the Grocery Foundation in fall 2016, when my food program
organizer (a teacher at my school) approached me about being involved in the
Agents of Change program. The program was designed for high school students,
but my teacher had heard they were looking for an Ambassador for the region,
and asked if I was interested. I completed a short "bio" introducing
myself to the Grocery Foundation, was accepted into the program... and here I
am! :)
2. What
has being an Agent of Change meant to you?
Being an
Agent of Change has definitely changed my perspective. It was empowering to be
chosen for this role and is empowering to have a chance to really change
something. Having this opportunity, and that includes running my "Big
Breakfast" at my school, was life-changing, and this experience has really
meant a lot to me. When you know the need of student nutrition, like I do,
realizing you can make a difference is amazing.
3. What
have you learned since organizing your #Toonies4Tummies event?
Learning how welcoming and supportive the community was.
4. Who or
what has inspired you to be philanthropically inclined?
I think
one of the biggest things that has inspired me is my food program and my
school. I started attending Waverley Drive PS in grade four, after transferring
from my old school to the gifted program. Right away, the food program became pretty
popular. It was impressive to me to see such a wonderful program being run in a
school with student volunteers. I didn't end up working there until grade six,
yet the impact of the food served was clear. Even though much of my student
population has enough food in our lunches, the reality is many children around
the world don't. This is a real issue, impacting over 1.1 million children
across Canada, and this issue, along with the students, teachers, and
volunteers at my school, has really inspired me to try and make a difference.
5. Do you
have any suggestions for others wanting to get involved in
their local community?
In our
community, there are a few good ways to help with this student - and community
- nutrition issue. You could volunteer at a food bank or grocery store, but I
think people tend to under-estimate the power of donating. While it may seem
like small thing to do, it really impacts students. Following the campaign
promise, a toonie donated to #Toonies4Tummies really helps, along with other
donations to other organizations. But, if that's not your style, volunteering
is definitely a good option as well; help is needed everywhere, and is
appreciated.
I just want people to realize the
importance of student nutrition. There are so many benefits of students coming
to school with full bellies, and any money donated means a lot; just a toonie
(like for #Toonies4Tummies) really makes a difference to a child.
Wondering How You Can Help #Toonies4Tummies?
Many local grocery stores are involved in with
this initiative. Next time you visit your local Food Basics, Metro, or Longos between
February 9th to 23rd be sure to donate at the checkout
and know you are contributing to our community.
Want to see where your donations are helping? Visit the TOONIE TRACKER
at http://www.tooniesfortummies.ca
then enter your postal code. You will begin
to understand why it is important to support this cause.
The Grocery Foundation Website: http://www.groceryfoundation.com
#Toonies4Tummies Info Page: http://www.groceryfoundation.com/tooniesfortummies#Toonies4Tummies Info Page: http://www.tooniesfortummies.ca
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