Is there a chicken salad in your inbox?

Dear Tracy,

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, I’m thinking of food once again! I don’t know about you, but I’m already making lists of what I’m going to bake, all those tasty little treats, as well as what will be on the menu for our big family dinner. I’m looking forward to having my grandkids around, helping to mix batter—and lick the spoon, of course!

And yet, I know there are families right across this country literally dreading the holiday season. Moms and dads worried about how to meet their family’s basic needs of healthy food and warm shelter… let alone how to provide presents for their kids or extra-special holiday treats. 

I know, because that was once me. When I was struggling to feed my family 20 years ago, I didn‘t have access to a food bank. Today, thanks to gifts from our generous friends, Food Banks Canada supports a unique network of over 3,000 food-related organizations in every province and territory, assisting people every day.

Did you receive my email at Thanksgiving? Perhaps you tried one of my holiday recipes? I hope so! I’ve got two more recipes to share … but they’re not mine.

They’re part of a special program put on by Food Banks Canada—and our generous friends! In addition to helping families put food on the table this holiday season, Food Banks Canada helps fund programs designed to get children’s hands messy in the kitchen: mixing, measuring, whisking—and licking the spoon, of course!

Before I tell you more about these programs, I’m writing to ask if you’ll do two things for me today. First, will you share a healthy, kid-friendly recipe with us? It could be shared across our network of friends as well as used for children to practice cooking. 

Second, after you share your recipe, will you make a special holiday gift? Will you help ensure no child has to go to bed hungry or undernourished? Will you help ensure that all children in Canada have the same opportunities?

It’s an unfortunate fact that more than one third of our food bank clients in Canada are children and youth. That’s over 300,000 kids who don’t get enough to eat every day. 

I’m sure you’re aware that change most often starts with children and youth. And, it all starts with having those basic needs met. I can tell you from my own experience, having a full belly can make such a difference to your outlook, whether you’re an adult or a child.

Full bellies make happy kids. And happy kids can concentrate, focus at school, and be active. Kids who concentrate and do well in school generally grow up to have better paying jobs and happier, healthier lifestyles. And their children do the same.

And what better way to help get kids involved and invested in healthy eating than to teach them how to cook? I love cooking with my children and my grandchildren. It’s such a fun family activity. And yet, I also remember when I was struggling to make ends meet, it was hard to even think of what to make with the limited ingredients I had. 

That’s why I’m so excited to tell you about these great programs you help Food Banks Canada support. The Curious Chefs: Cooking Club for Kids and Around the Table: Healthy Eating on a Budget are two programs funded by Food Banks Canada but designed and delivered by a local organization, like the Agape Centre in Cornwall.

To date, more than 70 children have had free access to these six-week long programs. Each child receives their own collection of cooking supplies that they get to keep and take home at the end of the session. One day a week they come to class and learn how to make a specific recipe. There’s also a fun part of the class called Fear Factor where the kids are encouraged to try out “mystery foods” such as brussels sprouts or passion fruit.

Little Kayleigh first came to the classes a bit shy. She was new in the community because her mom moved around trying to find steady work. What she discovered in the kitchen was not only a love of sprinkles but also avocado and healthy chicken wraps!  

Last year, Food Banks Canada invested more than $70,000 in these programs across Canada. Your gift today will ensure we can continue to grow and invest in children as demand for these programs increases.

When you share your own recipe, you can also download two recipes that Curious Chefs like Kayleigh learn to make. You might like to try them out with a special child in your own life. When you share your recipe, I dearly hope you’ll also make a special gift to help kids and their families this holiday season. Thank you!

Yours for a Canada filled with happy, healthy kids who love to cook,





Debbie O'Bray
Volunteer, Food Banks Canada Board of Directors and Supporter

PS: I’m looking forward to seeing your recipe. (Maybe I’ll even test it out with my grandkids!) Please make your special holiday gift now to help fill hungry bellies all across Canada. Thanks!