"We've Got Your Back" Tackles Food Insecurity in Charlotte County

In an interview on the television show "Fundy Tidings" on CHCO-TV, host Jay Remer spoke with Rebecca Allen and Kelly Harrell from the community organization "We've Got Your Back" to discuss their efforts to combat food insecurity among children in the region. The discussion highlighted the alarming rate of food insecurity in Charlotte County, where an estimated 30% of children live in food-insecure households.

"We've Got Your Back" provides backpacks filled with food to children in need, ensuring they have enough to eat over the weekends when school meal programs are unavailable. Allen and Harrell explained that the initiative began almost 15 years ago out of concern for children who dreaded weekends due to a lack of food.

"Some children were actually fearful of weekends because they knew they would have very little to eat until they returned to school on Monday," Harrell noted. "When community members discovered this, they knew they had to take action."

Since its inception, the program has grown significantly. Initially starting with 60 children across five schools, it now supports 100 students in nine schools. However, the increasing cost of living and rising rents have exacerbated the need for such programs. The organization’s annual operating budget has ballooned from $31,000 to nearly $80,000 in just a year and a half.

The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteer efforts. "We receive most of our donations from individuals, community partners, and local businesses," Allen said. "Charlotte County is an incredible community. 100% of our funding goes directly into food for our programs, with no administrative costs, as we operate with a volunteer board."

Donations can be made through their website, wevgotyourback.ca, where interested parties can sponsor a child for $65 a month or make one-time contributions. The program also accepts food donations, which can be coordinated through board members in Western and Eastern Charlotte.

The interview also highlighted the importance of community involvement and partnerships. The organization recently partnered with Kingsbrae Garden, where customers can donate $1 to "We’ve Got Your Back" when visiting. The St. Croix Vocational Centre has also begun assisting with food transportation, further aiding the organization’s efforts.

Despite the challenges, the program has yielded positive results. "Children who receive our food bags tend to have better attendance and are more prepared to learn," Harrell shared. "They come to school on Monday well-fed and ready to engage."

However, the organization’s need for support continues to grow. "We are always looking for more corporate sponsors and volunteers, especially in Eastern Charlotte," Allen emphasized. "Our immediate goal is to increase the number of sponsorships and donations to ensure we can continue to meet the rising demand."

The interview concluded with a call to action for the community. "This is an ideal situation for the community to become involved," Remer said. "With $15 a week, you can make a significant difference in a child's life. It’s a small amount for most, but it means the world to these kids."

For more information on how to support "We’ve Got Your Back," visit their website or Facebook page. The community’s engagement and contributions are crucial in addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity and ensuring that no child goes hungry on the weekends.