In 2012, Campbell River United Church became aware that a number of children attending the school that shares our parking lot (Pinecrest Elementary) were coming to school without the benefit of a nutritious breakfast. Children who don’t eat breakfast have difficulty concentrating in school. Memory, behavior and school attendance are also affected. In fact, studies show that not eating breakfast can have a long-term impact on health and academic achievement.
Campbell River United, in cooperation with Pinecrest, decided to remedy this situation for the children in our neighbourhood. In September 2013, the church started a breakfast program that fed hungry kids every school day throughout the 2013-14 school year. This program continued throughout the 2014-15 school year and into the foreseeable future. Breakfast is served in the Fellowship Hall (accessed from the upper parking lot) every morning from 8 to 8:30. This community outreach project helps ensure that all neighbourhood school children have access to a delicious and nourishing breakfast served in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Any child attending Pinecrest is welcome to participate. We have an average of 25-35 children that attend the program.
Funding for this program has been generously provided by a grant from the Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery ProVision Fund as well as donations from the United Church congregation, Pinecrest School and community groups. Sharon Paish, coordinator for the breakfast program, oversees menu planning, shopping and volunteer training and scheduling.
Financial donations are welcome from individuals and from community groups. For further information please call the church office at 250.286.0431 or stop by the church office on Wednesday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.