Taking Action

Taking Action to Ease Hunger in our Community

A table laden with food items located at a main intersection in Newmarket seemed strangely out of place.

When Grade 6 student Alexis spotted it while enroute from an appointment, she wanted to find out what it was all about. The sign on the table said, “Free Food, Take Only What You Need” and included contact information for the Full Table Project.

Alexis was familiar with food insecurity as it was part of her My Key Idea project in Grade 5 and saw an opportunity to take action on an important issue in our community.

Following a budget set by her parents, Alexis began to regularly bring grocery items to the table such as water and canned goods. She would also sort the food, take away any garbage, and wipe down the table. According to Alexis, it works on an honour system. “Nobody knows how much you need more than yourself.”

Alexis says the best part of being at school is the time with your friends. She learns something new every day through classes and her peers and credits the Grade 5 Speaking Club for building her confidence and helping her to become a stronger speaker.