For more than 40 years, we have provided not only healthy meals, but also educational, cultural, and recreational activities to children in a respectful and dignified manner. While our roots are in breakfast, we have expanded to include lunch programs at select clubs, ensuring children receive nutritious meals throughout the day to support their growth, learning, and overall well-being.
Currently, we serve over 10,000 meals per week in more than 40 communities across Southern Ontario.
At our core, we believe that no child should start their school day hungry. But our impact goes far beyond meals. Children who walk through our doors are met with a warm smile, a safe space, and a team of staff and volunteers who see and celebrate them. In addition to nutritious, culturally reflective meals, children receive essentials like winter coats, hygiene items, school supplies, and, most importantly, emotional support.
Our Mission
To enable each community to provide for school-age children a hot, nutritious, culturally reflective breakfast in a social, educational, and stimulating environment.
Our History
Our doors opened in 1984 in the Jane/Falstaff community. We came together around one simple idea: every child deserves to start the day nourished, cared for, and ready to learn. From one club, we’ve now grown to more than 43 across Southern Ontario, working as a non-profit still rooted in dignity, respect, and compassion.
Our Impact
Hunger isn’t always visible, but its effects are. Children who start the day hungry struggle to focus, learn, and build confidence. A nutritious breakfast changes everything by supporting better health, stronger self-esteem, and brighter futures. Every week, thanks to our partners, we serve over 10,000 meals with a holistic approach that also includes programs celebrating culture, encouraging learning, and building community to help children aged 5 to 18 discover their full potential.
Our Programs
We start with breakfast – but we don’t stop there.
With the support of municipal leaders, community partners, schools, volunteers, and sponsors, our clubs deliver opportunities that make a lasting difference:
- Healthy Breakfast Program
- Nutritious Lunch Program
- Black History Month Celebration in Ottawa
- Prom Project
- Smile Cookie Campaign
- Honda Indy Bike Ride
- Backpack Giveaway
- Thanksgiving Food Hamper Giveaway
- Caring & Sharing Christmas Gala
- Toy Drive
- Winter Coat Drive
Each initiative is designed to give children not only what they need, but what every child deserves: joy, pride, and belonging.
Our Impact
Meet the Team
Head Office Staff:
- Zubeda Nanji – Executive Director
- Office Staff:
- Zara Alibhai – Director of Communications
- Grace Kwon – Operation Manager
- Zufri Bella Yani – Operations and Marketing Coordinator
Head Office Volunteers:
- Cecilie Homer
- Willie Wong
- Henry Wong
- Alexandra Fraser
- Amy Wong
- Susan and Howard Bury
- Claire Agard
Our Board of Directors:
- Richard Gosling, President
- Claire Browne, Secretary
- Bonnie Severin, Treasurer
- Naomi Titleman, Board Member
- Michael Paisley, Board Member
- Frank Lamie, Board Member
- Lauren Dineen-Duarte, Board Member
- Annette Kingsley, Board Member
- Steve Gushie, Board Member
- Neville Pather, Board Member
- Patrick Shea, Board Member
- Asha Castelino, Recording Secretary
Meet the Team
About Us