Windsor, ON – With summer break around the corner, United Way has announced the launch of the Summer Eats for Kids program on July 8th to ensure local children have access to healthy food and books while school is out.
Last summer, the program distributed more than 4,000 food bags to over 1,200 families across Windsor-Essex. Each bag provided a week’s worth of nutritious snacks, fresh produce, and engaging books to help children stay healthy and learning all summer long.
The need is growing. Children now represent 30% of food bank visitors in our community—a stark reminder of the challenges many families are facing.
“When school ends, many children lose access to daily meals and learning opportunities,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO, United Way Windsor Essex Chatham Kent. “We see it firsthand—families are doing their best, but the gap is real. This program helps ease that burden so kids can have the kind of summer every child deserves.”
Summer Eats for Kids operates through partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, and generous donors. In addition to food bags, children receive new books thanks to Women United members to encourage summer reading and prevent the “summer slide,” which disproportionately affects children from low-income households.
Just $30 helps provide a family with one week of healthy food and books. United Way is calling on the community to help meet rising demand by donating or sharing information about the campaign within their networks.
“We know that good food fuels growing bodies and great books fuel young minds,” adds Lorraine. “We are grateful for the support of the community and donors who ensure we are able to offer this much needed program.”
To ensure as many families as possible are served, United Way is hosting an online 50/50 raffle until July 1st with all proceeds going to support Summer Eats. www.weareunited.com/5050
To donate or learn more about Summer Eats, visit: www.weareunited.com/summereats
Media Contact United Way:
Dina Misur, Manager, Marketing and Communications
[email protected] | M: 519-567-8735
Last updated on July 21, 2026
