Out of the mouths of babes comes the best argument for a breakfast program in Toronto schools:
"Kids will have healthy tummies and healthy brains," points out a young student at Secord Elementary.
She was one of 70 children enjoying a meal provided a realtor who raised money and found volunteers for the program. The school was considering ending the initiative because of a lack of cash.
"We would like to take this program citywide, but what we need is funding," admits Carolyn Griffis (pictured).
She was at
101 Barrington Ave Tuesday morning as the kids chowed down, surrounded by staff and parents in red aprons.
"We need the volunteers. We need the commitment of other companies to come on board and adopt a school, and let's eliminate the hunger problem," Griffis added.
Her goal is to have other real estate offices and businesses do the same, and she's partially there: The Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Real Estate Board have teamed up to help students at seven area schools.
But, Griffis points out, it's just a drop in the bucket.
More than 90,000 children go to school hungry every day. Breakfast programs cost $1 a day per child, but government funding only provides about 30 cents.
To find a local program in your area, call Griffis at
416-462-1888 or visit
Student Success.ca.