Several Alberta children are experiencing food insecurity as a result of the ongoing provincewide teachers strike, according to various non-profit organizations. The strike, now in its eighth day, has led to the suspension of school food programs, leaving many children without access to essential meals.
Jared Jorstad, a spokesperson for Hope Mission, shared a concerning story of a mother who sacrificed her own meals to ensure her children were fed during the strike. The woman eventually sought assistance from the charity due to her dire situation. With 51,000 teachers off the job since October 6, approximately 750,000 students are affected, resulting in the closure of around 2,500 schools along with their meal services.
Hope Mission has collaborated with local Catholic schools in Edmonton to distribute paper bag lunches to students in need. Since the strike began, they have been providing meals to around 200 to 250 students daily. The strike, organized by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, marks the largest walkout in the province’s history, revolving around issues such as wages, classroom overcrowding, and support for students with complex needs.
Despite a rejected government offer that included a 12% pay raise over four years and a commitment to hire 3,000 additional teachers, the strike continues to impact students’ access to meals. Laura Giesbrecht, a spokesperson for the Mustard Seed non-profit in Red Deer, expressed distress over the substantial decrease in meals provided during the strike, leaving hundreds of students without food daily.
The Mustard Seed is striving to raise awareness among students and families about the ongoing meal services. They have also partnered with a local YMCA to ensure children participating in programs receive nutritious meals. Giesbrecht emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for students’ physical and academic well-being, highlighting the vital role of food in supporting their education and overall development.
Breakfast Club of Canada, which serves nearly 40,000 students in about 300 Alberta schools, has temporarily halted its meal programs due to the strike. The organization hopes for a swift resolution between teachers and the government to resume essential services for students in need.