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Food Banks Canada

After the Bell

For most kids, the last day of school marks the beginning of fun summer days filled with sunshine, laughter and friends. For others, it means the end of the critical in-school meal programs that keep their growing bodies healthy & strong.

After the Bell

For most kids, the last day of school marks the beginning of fun summer days filled with sunshine, laughter and friends. For others, it means the end of the critical in-school meal programs that keep their growing bodies healthy & strong.

1 in 3

of those visiting food banks are children.
Many food supports are school-centred and not available in the summer.
Caregivers have additional stresses in the summer, like childcare.

The Program

After the Bell provides nutritious, child-friendly food packs throughout the summer when school-centred supports are not available so kids can soar on the swings and splash in the community pool with their friends.

Participating food banks receive packs that contain shelf-stable items such as milk, hummus, crackers, cereal, oatmeal and sunflower seeds. They also receive grant money to supplement the food packs with perishable items such as apples, sugar snap peas, cheese, and yogurt.

Watch the video

AFTER THE BELL IN YOUR COMMUNITY

AFTER THE BELL IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Click on a province to learn more about the impact of After the Bell in communities within that province.

  Food banks that participated in After the Bell 2023.
Click on a province to learn more about the impact of After the Bell in communities within that province.

  Food banks that participated in After the Bell 2023.
Our Goal for
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015

WAYS TO SUPPORT

CORPORATIONS

There are many ways to support Food Banks Canada and After the Bell, including food or other in-kind and financial support.
LEARN MORE

INDIVIDUALS

When you donate to Food Banks Canada you support After the Bell and other programs to keep food banks going strong, no matter how great the need.
DONATE NOW

If you’re a food bank interested in participating in After the Bell, please reach out to afterthebell@foodbankscanada.ca.

If you’re in need of food support, please use our Find a Food Bank tool and call the food bank nearest you.

You Make it Happen

Thank you to all the organizations and individuals that are helping children across Canada have a better summer in 2024.

These are the proud partners that are making After the Bell possible in 2025.

Fresh Food Sponsor