Which of us wasn't a schoolchild, and doesn't remember how much the morning break mattered: the sandwich with a piece of fruit or a vegetable that got you going again. We all remember, too, the disappointment of discovering on some days that we had forgotten it. Of course, if the snack is missing now and then because the child forgot it, no harm done. But there are children whose lunchbox is empty not because they forgot that day, but simply because at home there isn't enough money for bread and spreads for school as well.
Sadly, with the cost of living rising and rising, more and more families are slipping into poverty and have to think about every slice of bread that gets eaten, and sometimes choose to give up a child's morning snack in favour of another meal. This is where associations like ours come in, and this is what we do.
A sandwich for every child who needs one
When we are out on the ground we see how badly the "sandwich for anyone who needs one" initiative is needed. The sandwiches are snapped up, because sadly quite a few children arrive at school without any food, and many are ashamed to ask their friends for a piece of their sandwich day after day. When those children know that a sandwich is waiting for them, or that they can ask for one at the school office or at the place set aside for it, they arrive at school calmer and more settled, and they can concentrate better on their lessons. Today the sandwiches we make are fairly basic. Their purpose, as they are made now, is first of all to fill, so that no child stays hungry.
Today we know very well that filling food is not necessarily nourishing food. This is where we need your help.
Making the sandwiches nourishing and healthy
As we said, that is our aim today, but to get there we will need your help as donors. On any trip to the supermarket you can see the difference in price (already high as it is) between products considered basic (white bread, say) and better ones, such as wholemeal bread. We know today how much processed food full of sugar and unhealthy fats leads to obesity, to illness at a young age, and to poor concentration at school. Every donation you make will let us prepare good, healthy sandwiches. That way we will know the child has had at least one nourishing meal in the day.
We welcome every donation and value every donation, large or small, because to us what matters most is the intention and the willingness to step up.