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Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
A Village That Feeds: Breakfast Bash 2025 Raises Over $95K for Student Nutrition in Halton
Halton Food for Thought's 2025 Breakfast Bash brought more than just early-morning cheer to the Oakville Conference Centre on May 27 — it brought together a community with a shared mission: ensuring that no student in Halton starts the day hungry. With over 400 attendees and a festive atmosphere, the annual fundraising event exceeded its $95,000 goal and may climb even higher as final donations roll in. For Aliya Khawari, executive director of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT), this marked her first Breakfast Bash since stepping into the role in 2024. Her takeaway? Enthusiasm and heart. 'You could feel the energy in the room,' Khawari said. 'We have students, parents, volunteers, educators, and community leaders all here for one reason — to support student nutrition. It's a celebration of what's possible when a community comes together to make sure every child is cared for.' HFFT currently supports student nutrition programs across four school boards: Halton District School Board (HDSB), Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), Viamonde, and MonAvenir, with the latter two representing Halton's growing Francophone population. 'The last three years have seen more French immersion schools joining the program,' Khawari shared. 'That's a beautiful sign of growth and inclusion.' Student engagement and parent involvement are at the heart of HFFT's mission, and this year's Breakfast Bash brought that philosophy to life. From the lively blender bike demonstrations by students from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School to parents connecting with fellow volunteers who share the same goal — ensuring students are well-fed and ready to learn — the spirit of community was unmistakable. Meanwhile, Appleby College offered a sampling from its student-prepared breakfast menu, giving guests a literal taste of student leadership in action. Ten food vendors served up everything from yogurt parfaits and scrambled eggs to chicken and waffles, with Jackson's Landing and longtime partner Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill among the returning favourites. Kristina Graham, a 12-year volunteer who organizes vendor outreach, says much of the support is built on relationships that deepen with time. 'Most of our vendors come back year after year,' said Graham. 'Joe Dog's has not only stayed with us for a decade — they've brought new restaurants into the fold. That kind of commitment speaks volumes.' She emphasized the deeper impact of the program beyond the food. 'The breakfast before school isn't just about nutrition, it's a social connection. Students sit together, talk, laugh, and start their day with community.' The powerful impact of HFFT was echoed in the stories shared by HDSB students who spoke during the event. Each expressed how the program has positively impacted their lives, fostering a sense of civic and social engagement. For schools like River Oaks Public School in Oakville, the Breakfast Bash is a reminder of the year-round work being done. Teacher Richard Bernard has led his grade 8 students in running their school's nutrition program for over a decade. 'I wanted my students to see themselves as leaders, to know their actions make their school better,' Bernard said. 'It's about empathy, ownership, and community.' His students not only distribute food, but they also serve as role models, building connections with younger students and setting the tone for a supportive school environment. 'These kids are an important part of making our school one of the best places to learn,' Bernard added. The Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board were both present in full support, with Director of Education Curtis Ennis attending alongside board members. Tables were sponsored by both boards, and a lively silent auction helped bring in additional funds. Looking ahead, Khawari emphasized that Halton Food for Thought has ambitious goals. 'We want to raise at least one dollar per student in the region — that's about $97,000. But more importantly, we want to eliminate the waitlist. Our vision is to onboard every new school that wants to join the program within six months.' She added a heartfelt message to the attendees: 'Just have fun and enjoy today. Look around and see the village that supports you, because it really does take a village.' And on this morning, that village showed up with full hearts — and full plates.
Hamilton Spectator
01-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
A Toast to 15 Years: Halton Food for Thought's Annual Fundraiser Fights Student Hunger
Julie Cole is no stranger to a good cause — especially when it comes to kids. The co-founder of Mabel's Labels is set to host this year's Breakfast Bash, the signature annual fundraiser supporting Halton Food for Thought. While the organization has been nourishing students in Halton for more than 30 years, this year marks the 15th anniversary of the Breakfast Bash, which will take place Tues., May 27, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Oakville Conference Centre. 'The Breakfast Bash really celebrates the hard work that everyone does,' said Cole. 'It makes you realize the impact it's having. Sometimes with volunteerism, you get a little fatigue…then you come to an event like this and remember why it matters. You leave inspired and motivated to stay involved.' Halton Food for Thought (HFFT) has been fueling student success for more than three decades, quietly becoming a vital part of the educational ecosystem across the region. 'It started with a few moms who noticed kids showing up to school without lunch,' Cole explained. 'They wanted to do something about it, so they started making sure students had access to food at school. That was back in 1997, with just six programs. Now, there are over 150 school partnerships across Halton.' HFFT's model is intentionally inclusive and stigma-free. 'You don't have to register for it. You don't have to prove that you need it,' said Cole. 'Kids just walk in before the bell, grab some fruit or a croissant, and start the day with something in their belly. What's lovely about it is that no one is singled out.' The Breakfast Bash plays a crucial role in sustaining and growing these programs. This year's fundraising goal is $95,000 — funds that will support five new student nutrition programs and help maintain the existing 152 partnerships already in place. 'That's a whole bunch of little bellies,' Cole said with a smile. 'There are schools already saying, 'We want this, but we don't have it yet.' This will help bring it to them.' As Cole pointed out, Halton's population is growing rapidly, and so are food costs. 'Even when you get base funding from the government, it doesn't always meet the need. I made my kids fruit salad last week — it cost me $60! Feeding kids isn't cheap, but it's essential.' One of the unique features of the Breakfast Bash is its bustling marketplace, which showcases local vendors from across Halton. 'These local partnerships are huge. The vendors donate their time and their products, and help create an atmosphere that's both fun and meaningful,' Cole said. 'They get to network, promote their businesses, and be part of something bigger. It's also great for team-building and community connection.' This year's participating vendors include Appleby College, Harper's Landing, and Jacksons Landing (partnering together for the first time), Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill, Martini House, Oakville Conference Centre, Rust Bistrobar, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School, Mary's Muffins, Milestones Burloak, and Pur and Simple Burlington North (the last three listed all new this year). Speakers at this year's event include Liam Rondeau, an HFFT volunteer, T.A. Blakelock High School graduate, and PhD candidate at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster University. Rondeau recently reflected on his experience in a blog post titled, 'How breakfast at school changed more than just my mornings — reflections a decade later' ( click here to read it on HFFT's website ). Other speakers will include HFFT Executive Director Aliya Khawari, Board Chair Eleanor Ramuscak, and Board Vice-Chair Prasad Samala. The spirit of connection and community is what makes the event — and the organization — so special. 'We're food people, they're food people. Let's get together for a good cause,' Cole laughed. 'And really, who isn't a food person?' With support from dedicated volunteers, generous vendors, and champions like Julie Cole, this year's Breakfast Bash promises to be more than just a meal — it's a celebration of community coming together to support the future. So far, $62,613 has been raised toward the $95,000 goal. General admission tickets are $65 each, with half-tables available for $315 and full tables for $600. A silent auction is also running on the Food for Thought event page , where attendees can buy tickets and learn more. There's also a 50/50 raffle, with the draw taking place on the day of the event, May 27, at 9:15 a.m. EDT. Tickets are currently available at $10 for one, $20 for three, or $50 for ten. Whether you're attending to enjoy a hearty breakfast, support a great cause, or connect with community-minded individuals, the Breakfast Bash offers something meaningful for everyone — and a chance to ensure no student in Halton starts the school day hungry.
