The Come and Eat Program (Pemisu Program) is a vital initiative that provides children and families with a safe and supportive environment to enjoy a healthy lunch every day. Serving children of all ages, the program is open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, or family income, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Primary Goals:

  1. Daily Nutritional Lunches: The program offers school-aged children, ages 5-18, a nutritious lunch each day, ensuring that they receive the sustenance needed to grow and thrive.
  2. Summer Extension: Recognizing the gap in food services when school is out, the program extends through the summer months, continuing to provide essential meals to children who would otherwise go without.
  3. Nutrition Awareness: Children are educated on the importance of healthy eating, helping them make informed choices that will benefit their long-term well-being.
  4. Safety Education: The program also focuses on teaching children safety measures, particularly around railway crossings, helping to keep them safe in their everyday environments.
  5. Community Awareness: The program actively raises awareness within the community about its mission and the growing needs of children and families in the area.

Women of the Dawn Counselling Centre, which runs the Come and Eat Program, seeks to build community partnerships to ensure the program’s continued growth and sustainability. The center operates solely on donations, providing not only food but also bread, clothing, bus tickets, and counseling services to those in need.

Support and Funding:

The Come and Eat Program is generously supported by sponsors such as the Access Children’s Fund, CN Stronger Communities Fund, PEMBINA, SUNCOR, Westridge Construction, Dewdney Drugs Pharma Choice, Mazda, SGI, and many other small donors. With an annual budget of $66,720.00, these contributions are crucial in enabling the program to offer an alternative for children to access nutritious meals, especially during the summer when school food programs are unavailable.

Impact:

As the only food program operating during the summer months in the North Central area, the Come and Eat Program serves over 100 children daily. Since 1996, the program has been a lifeline for many, working tirelessly to combat the barriers of poverty and malnutrition that hinder children’s potential. By providing a sense of community, health, and security, the program ensures that children can experience a childhood free from hunger and fear.

The Come and Eat Program remains committed to reaching every child in need and continues to call on the community, businesses, sponsors, and individual donors to support its mission of eliminating poverty and hunger among the youth.