A long-running breakfast program for elementary schools in the Alberni Valley is in desperate need of volunteers.
The Read and Feed breakfast program, run by the NeighbourLink Society, has been keeping elementary school students fed for almost 20 years in Port Alberni. The program started out serving two schools and approximately 70 students, but today it serves six schools in the Alberni Valley.
In the 2023-24 school year, the program served up 61,821 meals.
"We know that all the kids we see don't necessarily need the service," explained John Bassingthwaite, a volunteer with the NeighbourLink Society. "But that's what we need to do in order for us to reach the 20 or so kids who really do need that program. We would never want to embarrass any child."
At most schools in the Alberni Valley, volunteers prepare the food ahead of time and deliver it to school staff in the morning. But both Tsuma-as Elementary School and Alberni Elementary School have full breakfast programs, where volunteers serve up warm meals of toast, cheese, fruits and veggies and yogurt for students. Volunteers sometimes read out loud for the students while they eat their breakfasts.
On top of a warm meal, the program offers a safe space for students to socialize outside of class.
"They can enjoy a little bit of camaraderie before class and have a little bite to eat," explained Bassingthwaite.
But the Read and Feed Program is run entirely by volunteers. Prior to the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the program had 150 volunteers. Today, it only has around 30-40 regular volunteers.
"The big problem is if somebody goes on holidays, or if someone has health problems, finding someone to fill in for them has been really difficult," said Bassingthwaite. "It puts a lot of strain on the program. It would be so wonderful if we had 10-20 people we could call up when needed."
Without more volunteers, said Bassingthwaite, the program might not be able to continue into the 2025-26 school year.
Volunteering only takes about an hour and a half each week, said Bassingthwaite, but the rewards are "everlasting" for volunteers. Bassingthwaite said he often gets former students approaching him as adults to thank him for serving up breakfast every morning.
"We don't get paid," he said. "The joy is in the faces of the kids you serve. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but when you're in there and you see the kids happy and having fun, it's all worthwhile."
To get involved with the program, contact John Bassingthwaite at 250-724-0793 or jwbass1@hotmail.com, or contact Sally Anderson at 250-724-2137 or mygalsal@shaw.ca.
