Overview

The Weekender Program was launched to address the issue of children coming to school hungry on Mondays at two inner-city schools. While many schools offer food to students during school days, these supports typically do not extend to weekends. Recognizing that children were going to bed hungry on weekends, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) initiated the Weekender Program to ensure children have access to food when school-based programs are unavailable. Each Friday during the school year, the children receive food packages that, in some instances, could be their only sustenance until their return to school on Monday. 

Program Growth and Outreach

Launched in January 2021 with just 30 students at a single school, the Weekender Program has expanded significantly. It now operates in eight schools and serves 139 students. School staff, in consultation with social services, are responsible for selecting the participating students, with parental permission required for each child. Demand for the program continues to grow, as additional schools request its implementation. However, financial constraints currently limit the ability to extend the program further.

Food Procurement and Distribution

Food for the Weekender Program is purchased by SSVP volunteers from local Edmonton food retailers. Volunteers package the food into individual servings, which are delivered to the participating schools every three weeks during the school year. The volunteers gather every three weeks to prepare these servings, ensuring each child receives a well-rounded selection of nutritious food items.

Each individual serving contains a variety of items aimed at providing balanced nutrition, including, but not limited to, instant oatmeal, juice boxes, granola bars, cheese crackers, instant soup, mac & cheese, fruit cup, and pudding. 

Annual Program Impact

In 2024, with 65 students enrolled, a total of 2,535 food packets were sent home over the course of the school year. For the 2025-26 school year, as enrolment rises to 139 students, the program will require 5,421 individual food packages. Volunteers will meet 13 times during the school year to assemble the servings, with each of the thirteen sessions involving the preparation of 417 food servings.

Program Costs

Rising inflation continues to drive up the cost of food. The estimated expense for the 2025-26 school year is $7.00 per individual serving. Factoring in the total number of servings required (7.00 x 139 students x 39), the anticipated program cost for 2025-26 is $37,947.

Role of SSVP Volunteers

The success of the Weekender Program is made possible by the commitment of SSVP volunteers, who generously contribute their time and skills. These volunteers play an essential role in ensuring the program can be offered to those in need, their ongoing dedication is the foundation of the program’s success and its ability to support children in need.