Volunteer-run program that feeds hungry kids on weekends expanding

It has long been Doris Walton's hope to see a program that helps feed hungry kids on the weekends expand to every school across Nova Scotia. 

That mission is now a few steps closer to reality. 

Walton, who runs After the School Bell in Amherst, N.S., has said she would be willing to help anyone who wanted to start up their own version of the program that sends bags of food home every Friday with students who might not otherwise have much to eat.

Over the past couple months, several people in Nova Scotia have taken her up on that offer, as well as a few from P.E.I. and Quebec. 

"It's growing leaps and bounds," said Walton. "I had no idea that I would get the emails and the calls on how much they would like to have this program." 

Cape Breton

Vicki Hillier is one of the Nova Scotians eager to take on the project. Hillier, who runs the cafeteria at Greenfield Elementary School in River Ryan,  said many of her students are experiencing poverty and food insecurity. 

She said she saw a CBC interview last fall with Walton and the other volunteers running similar programs in New Minas and Truro. 

"I said, 'I'm going to run with that. I'm going to do that,'" said Hillier. 

She contacted Walton, who shared information on how to get started. In just a few weeks, Hillier registered her own organization that she's calling Bridging the Gap for Kids. 

The group will send out its first round of food bags on Friday thanks to $3,000 in donations from community members and businesses. People have also been dropping off groceries to the school.

"People have been fantastic," said Hillier. "One hundred dollars here, $500 there.… My daughter bought me a big box of [food] for my Christmas gift." 

Hants County

Sarah Trask Duggan was also inspired to start the initiative in her region.

After speaking with Walton, Trask Duggan teamed up with Kim MacDonald, founder of Valley After the Bell in New Minas, to join forces. 

Trask Duggan will operate under the same umbrella, but expand the program to Hants County starting with Windsor Forks District School.

Since just last week, she's managed to secure $2,000 in donations, over 15 volunteers and a free workspace at the Station Food Hub.

"There's just so many people jumping on board and wanting to help. This is what community is all about," said Trask Duggan. 

For Walton, her mission remains the same — ensure no child in Nova Scotia goes without food over the weekend.

"The helping is not going to stop. I am adamant about that," said Walton. "I want everybody that would be willing to start a program in their area … please get in touch with me."