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Number of students relying on school lunch program nearly triples

REGINA – One hundred forty-five kids in Regina, who might not otherwise have something to eat during the day, can be sure they will have a lunch waiting for them at school.

For the past year and a half, the Salvation Army has been providing school lunches for kids in Regina and over that time the program has nearly tripled.

“Many of our families struggle to make ends meet from month to month,” said Ken Meredith, principal at Thomson Community School. “So one of things this program does is it fills that void or that concern that parents would have that they might not have enough food to make lunches.”

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Every weekday morning, volunteers at the Salvation Army make sandwiches and package them along with fruits and veggies, and either a milk or a juice, and deliver them to the schools.

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“We know that there are hungry kids in Regina,” said Major Doug Binner with the Salvation Army. “Kids that are coming to school without proper nutrition.”

Last year, the Salvation Army provided 50 lunches to one school and this year, the program has grown to include two schools.

“There are other schools that are asking for our assistance as well,” said Binner. “Our restriction is in our resources and in our capacity in this kitchen to be able to provide more lunches.”

Each lunch costs about $3, which is a small price to ensure kids are able to learn.

“The students can function and maximize their potential for learning at our school throughout the day,” said Meredith.

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