Quesnel Corps, B.C., doesn't want community kids to miss out on lunch just because they're enjoying time off school. During the school year, a community organization serves students breakfast, and when summer vacation begins, the corps continues the support through a nutritious lunch program, Tiny Bites.

“Tiny Bites was developed last year in the effort to keep kids strong and healthy during the summer,” explains Captain Deb VanderHeyden, corps officer.

“We prepare lunch in our family services building, our volunteers pack the food into coolers and we take it to the schools. We spend 30 minutes at each of the two locations; this gives us time to build relationships with the children and some of the parents and guardians as well.”

Tiny Bites allows Quesnel Corps the opportunity to reach out to individuals who are unable to attend its soup kitchen due to distance. It is also a familiar location for the children.

“The kids meet us in the school parking lot,” says Captain VanderHeyden. “Because they are used to coming to the school, it is comfortable for them. Many not only eat their lunch, but often they will stay and play together. Some of these children attended our Vacation Bible School program this year and their friendships with each other grew even stronger.”

The feedback from Tiny Bites has been incredibly positive from people within the neighbourhood. Last summer, one appreciative grandmother expressed her thoughts to the Quesnel Cariboo Observer. She wrote: “I would like to thank these wonderful folks that have been handing out the meals, for the children have indeed enjoyed them.”

“Running this program has allowed us to reach out in a real and positive way into our community,” comments Captain VanderHeyden.

“We have been able to show the compassionate nature of Christ and of Christians in a way that is understood by all who partake and by those who watch what we do.

“What we are doing fits in perfectly with the mission of The Salvation Army to reach out and care for the most vulnerable in our society. We know that many of these kids would not eat lunch every day if we were not there. This program is some of our most satisfying work; we are paid back in full through smiles and cheerful voices.”