Brookfield High School students and staff collaborated with community partners on launching the Brookfield Community Food Cupboard (BCFC) to address food insecurity in their community. This incredible project has already supported more than 180 families – that’s more than 800 individuals – since May and recently celebrated its Grand Opening.
The BCFC operates weekly on Wednesday evenings in the Brookfield High School cafeteria, providing clients with a convenient package of non-perishable food for one day. The service is meant to supplement the work of other local agencies, like the Heron Emergency Food Centre, and is delivered in partnership with the Riverside Park Community Association, Riverside United Church, Hunt Club Community Association, and Lionhearts Inc.
These community partners began working with the District in December 2023, with the goal of creating a welcoming service in an easily accessible location. The project has already made an impact in the community and at Brookfield High School, where it’s estimated that up to 50% of families are facing some form of food insecurity.
From designing the logo to preparing donations, Brookfield students have played an instrumental role in the BCFC’s work. The Co-Op class set up the space – building shelves, organizing community donations, and packaging items for distribution to families. Students in the Non-Profit Specialist High Skills Major program visited Parkdale Food Cupboard to learn more about food insecurity, organized and ran the grand opening event, and made T-shirts and tote bags for the BCFC. The school’s office staff and custodial team are also highly involved, helping to accept and move donations from the community
“The Brookfield Community Food Cupboard is a true school and community collaboration. We are so proud to see our students working alongside community members to provide food to families. It's a beautiful partnership to see youth and adults working towards a common goal. We are reducing the stigma attached to food insecurity for Brookfield students and value the positive impact we're having on our community. The BCFC is just another thing that makes Brookfield such a special school.” – Ashley Shaw, Principal
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Grade 12 student Jacob M. has volunteered at the BFCF every week and plans to continue volunteering in the summer before heading off to Halifax, where he will study masonry. He told CTV News:
“It's important to have this because it’s giving people, especially newcomers, the ability to survive in this climate. It gives us the opportunity to give them what they may be lacking.” – Jacob M., Student
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Community members can donate non-perishable food items at Brookfield High School or Riverside United Church. For a list of suggested items and other ways to get involved, visit the BCFC website.
