Niagara Nutrition Partners reports a sharp rise in students relying on school meal programs, with participation jumping from 17,000 to 24,000 in just two years.

PenFinancial Credit Union has donated $12,000 to support school nutrition programs in Niagara and Haldimand. The funding will help Community Crew purchase a commercial refrigerator to aid its lunch program for food-insecure children and support the Child Nutrition Network of Haldimand & Norfolk’s meal programs serving over 8,700 students.‍

The Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines donated $100,000 to 16 local non-profit groups during its “Day of Giving” on July 7. Funded through proceeds from Kiwanis TV Bingo, the donations will support programs such as summer food for kids, school backpack drives, and services for vulnerable community members.

Community Crew provides hundreds of lunches each week to children in Fort Erie who may otherwise go without. The program, self-funded and volunteer-run, ensures students from kindergarten to Grade 8 receive nutritious meals that accommodate dietary needs, helping to fill the hunger gap in the region’s most vulnerable communities.

In 2021, philanthropist Grant McArthur cycled 10,000 km and raised over $100,000 to help feed children across Niagara through Community Crew. Despite challenges like bad weather, injuries, and shutdowns, his determination and consistency helped him reach both goals. For 2022, Grant is back with a team of riders aiming to collectively cycle 100,000 km in support of the cause.

Propack, a Beamsville-based company specializing in custom robotic packaging solutions, partners with Community Crew to support school lunch programs. Beyond monthly donations, their teams volunteer to help pack lunches, demonstrating a shared commitment to feeding children in the community.

Break the Cycle has partnered with BCM Insurance, a community-owned mutual insurance company with roots dating back to 1880. BCM Insurance supports local non-profits through its Community Grants Program, and this funding will help Break the Cycle grow and serve more children in Niagara.

Central Community Church has been a longtime supporter of Community Crew, helping serve children in the Niagara Region. Their welcoming and inclusive community offers a variety of programs for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Community Crew Director Sarah joined Mike Balsom on YourTV Niagara to discuss feeding school children during the pandemic, the Night of Miracles Gala, Break The Cycle, Difference Makers, and more. The interview highlights Community Crew’s ongoing initiatives and community impact.

Canadian singer, songwriter, and musician Mel Monaco from Muskoka, Ontario, will be performing at Community Crew’s Annual Night of Miracles Fundraising Gala on May 6th. With a decade-long career, multiple albums, and collaborations with local businesses, Monaco brings her unique ‘Groovy Pop’ style and boundless energy to support the cause.

Grant has officially reached 2,500 km in his Break The Cycle challenge, aiming to ride 10,000 km and raise $10 per km for a total of $100,000 to support Community Crew. Sponsors like Black Fly Spirit Beverages are helping make this incredible effort possible through their support and dedication.

Grant has officially reached 2,500 km in his Break The Cycle challenge, aiming to ride 10,000 km and raise $10 per km for a total of $100,000 to support Community Crew. Sponsors like NatureKast are helping make this incredible effort possible, providing both financial support and community encouragement.

As Break the Cycle enters its fourth month, Something Bespoke is celebrated for supporting Grant on his journey to ride 10,000 km. The company not only offers high-quality, affordable fashion but also contributes to the community through initiatives like the Community Crew Necklace, with proceeds helping feed children.

Impero Construction, an annual sponsor of Community Crew and proud supporters of Connaught School, continues to support the community through professionalism, integrity, and reliability in construction.

Northland Floral, an annual sponsor of Community Crew, continues to support the program and the children and families it serves. The company has grown from its roots in Barrie to a key presence in St. Catharines, providing high-quality floral products and exceptional service while giving back to the community.