Feeding minds, filling plates: tackling child and student hunger in Canada
As September rolls on, routines are settling, and kids are getting into the rhythm of their new school year. The excitement of new subjects, seeing friends, and even tackling homework is in full swing. For many families, this season brings a sense of stability as children return to their academic routines.
But for some children, school is not just a place for learning—it’s also a critical source of something more basic: food.
I’ve written before about how many students across Canada rely on school food programs for their daily nutrition. When school’s out, many kids go without breakfast or lunch, creating a food insecurity crisis that too often goes unseen. As school resumes, it’s worth reflecting on the heartbreaking reality that, for some children, the return to the classroom means returning to the only reliable meals they’ll get each day.
The cost of education – and hunger
This back-to-school season highlights the tremendous financial burden that families face. The cost of supplies alone is staggering, with the average cost per student nearing $586. Families already struggling with high prices and stagnant wages are being squeezed tighter, and unfortunately, many are forced to cut corners—often at the expense of nutritious food.
Food Banks Canada’s annual HungerCount report reminds us how deeply food insecurity affects children. Over 33% of food bank clients across the country are children, which means nearly one in three families is relying on these vital services to make ends meet. As rising costs continue to stretch budgets, children bear the brunt of this crisis.
But this problem doesn’t just affect young children. Post-secondary students, too, are being forced to make difficult choices about where their money goes. Increasingly, they are sacrificing good nutrition in the face of skyrocketing grocery prices, housing costs, and tuition fees. It’s a sobering reminder that food insecurity follows many people long after they’ve left the school playground.
A community leader stepping up: Lisa Dickie
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Thankfully, there are leaders in our communities working to address these challenges. One such person is Lisa Dickie, a professional educator and self-taught chef whose work shines a light on how education can empower individuals to eat well—even on a budget.
Lisa founded Dickie’s Cooking School in 2017, with a vision to help people gain essential food knowledge. Growing up in a large family with modest means, Lisa learned early on how crucial food skills are for building self-esteem and independence. Today, she offers a variety of workshops designed to teach young adults, including post-secondary students, how to stretch their dollars without
sacrificing nutrition.
Her workshop, How to Eat Healthy on a Tight Budget, teaches students how to stock their pantry, make balanced meals, and get creative with inexpensive, nutrient-rich ingredients. She’s not just teaching people how to cook—she’s equipping them with the skills to nourish themselves and their families, even when money is tight.
It’s leaders like Lisa who remind us that practical education is a key part of solving food insecurity. By equipping people with knowledge, we empower them to make better choices about their health and finances. But it’s important to remember that while her work is incredible, she can’t do it alone. Addressing food insecurity at a systemic level requires broader change.
What can we do as a society?
While stories like Lisa's are inspiring, the solution to food insecurity cannot rest on the shoulders of a few dedicated individuals. It requires collective action, and that means we need to do more—both as individuals and as a society.
Support educational initiatives: Like Lisa’s workshops, there are many programs out there teaching young people valuable life skills like cooking and budgeting. Support these programs by volunteering, donating, or even participating in them.
Advocate for policy change: It’s crucial to hold our leaders accountable. Governments at all levels need to prioritize tackling food insecurity. This means advocating for stronger school food programs, accessible grocery options, and better financial support for families and students alike.
Create local solutions: Get involved in your community. Whether it’s by supporting local food banks, hosting workshops, or joining a collective effort to tackle food insecurity, every action counts.
We live in one of the most developed countries in the world, yet we’re still facing a crisis where children, students, and families are unable to afford nutritious meals. How much longer will we accept this reality? It’s time we, as a society, take urgent action to ensure no child or student is forced to choose between learning and eating.
