The Harwood school breakfast snack program began with a simple question to the school principal. In October 2003 Anne Mae Rea met with Mr. Stevens, the Harwood principal, to clarify the expectations of Faith Baptist Church as we rented the gym monthly for youth activities.

As she was about to leave Anne Mae felt compelled to ask Mr. Stevens if there was any way that the church could assist the school. Mr. Stevens was surprised that a church would offer to assist the school, in any capacity. His response identified a need of food insecurity within the school. He stated that there was a need for snack carts to be supplied for the children to access during recess. He also stressed that there was not a budget to meet this need, that if donations were received, they were set out otherwise there were no snacks provided. Anne Mae’s response was that, “Faith Baptist will meet this need, we will not request money from the school.” This ministry outreach continues to be fully funded by Faith Baptist Church.

Everything was organized and approved for Faith Baptist to begin the breakfast snack program in January 2004. Each morning two church volunteers arrived at the school and prepared snack carts to be put out for students during recess. There were three snack carts which were placed in different locations throughout the school. Each snack cart contained toast slices, two fruits and two vegetables. The teachers returned the snack trays for the volunteers to clean and re-use the next morning. There have been a large volume of volunteers who have rotated through the Harwood breakfast snack ministry. Faith Baptist volunteers continued in Harwood school providing the breakfast snack carts until the pandemic shutdown in March 2020.

Schools reopening post pandemic shutdown, included both Provincial and local restrictions and requirements for providing services within the school. Faith Baptist remained committed to continuing to meet the need for food insecurity at Harwood in a way that accommodated both the Provincial and local restrictions and requirements. After much group brainstorming and trialing potential options, a feasible plan was developed.

The common denominator between the schools is students. As the students moved from Harwood to Seaton parents approached Anne Mae regarding running a similar program at W.L. Seaton Secondary. Parents were encouraged to bring their concerns to both the school administration and to the PAC. A meeting was arranged with the principal, Mr. Bell and the PAC to discuss the potential of extending the breakfast program. It was decided that as there was a woman running the concession, that Faith Baptist could donate items for breakfast and she would put them out for the students. When it was disclosed that the woman running the concession was changing positions and the cafeteria would be closed, Anne Mae approached Mr. Bell for clarification. She asked if the information was correct and received an affirmative reply. Mr. Bell’s response was, “Yes, who would come at 7:30 every morning to open up and serve breakfast?” Anne Mae’s reply was, “I will be there, tell me when it is possible to start.”

In November 2009, Faith Baptist Church began the breakfast program at Seaton. Each morning the students were provided with a choice of bagels, toast, hot or cold cereal, juice, a fruit and a protein. The students chose and prepared their own breakfast under the supervision of Faith Baptist volunteers. The Seaton breakfast program continued in this format until the pandemic shutdown in March 2020.

Schools reopening post pandemic shutdown, included both Provincial and local restrictions and requirements for providing services within the school. Faith Baptist remained committed to continuing to meet the need for food insecurity at Seaton in a way that accommodated both the Provincial and local restrictions and requirements. After much group brainstorming and trialing potential options, a feasible plan was developed.

Each morning two volunteers meet at the cafeteria and prepare to serve breakfast. The students chose a breakfast option, which is toasted, and served to the students. Breakfast options include: Bagels, toast, English muffins, eggs, yogurt and granola bars and seasonal fruit as available.
Condiments include: individual portions of cream cheese, peanut butter, jam or butter. Juice is available to those who are having breakfast. When weather is cold, hot chocolate is served to warm the students prior to class.

Our hotdog outreach program was started under the leadership of Larry Dyck and Chris Laser in 2012 out of a desire to share the hope that we have as followers of Jesus. By inviting the kids to come to the church, it created an opportunity to connect with the students and be a support in their lives. After trialing different meals, the team landed on a regular hotdog lunch. We partnered with different businesses and had the Pantry Restaurant supply a lunch once a month.

Students of Seaton are invited to come down the road to church during their 30 minute lunch. At the church they hear a 5 minute talk about who Jesus is and then are invited grab some hotdogs and cookies, before making their way back to class. Despite the fast paced nature of the lunch, this ministry provides an avenue for relationship and care.

Various churches throughout the city and organizations like Young Life and the Live Well Clinic have partnered with us over the years. It is our delight to be able to share the love of Jesus with these kids as, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

I want to make a difference!