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Program feeds needy kids

It's unfortunate, but the sad reality is that many children in the Battlefords often go hungry. Which is why the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club has teamed up with four local businesses to provide meals to a group of children, twice per week.
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Battlefords & District Co-op provided 20 kids with meals March 8 at the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club. This pilot group of children will receive dinner from four local businesses every Tuesday and Thursday for six weeks.

It's unfortunate, but the sad reality is that many children in the Battlefords often go hungry.

Which is why the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club has teamed up with four local businesses to provide meals to a group of children, twice per week.

Sheri Woolridge, BBGC executive director, said the idea arose when workers who close up the club for the evening made some observations.

"They were noticing there were a number of kids who weren't going home after," said Woolridge.

After talking to the children, they found out it was because the kids had nothing to go home to.

Woolridge contacted Battlefords & District Co-op, Riganato's, Venice House and Porta Bella's, all of whom stepped up to the plate, agreeing to take turns supplying the meals.

"It just kind of came together with everyone's generosity," said Woolridge.

"It's an easy thing on our part," said Robin Petersen, owner of Venice House. Petersen has previously sponsored the BBGC, where his step-daughter, Jurnee Riglin works.

"It's a good program overall," said Petersen of the club. "They work really hard and they provide good programs for the kids."

Stacey McKay, Porta Bella's owner, said, "It's unfortunate that there's a need for it."

Over the years, McKay has often brought left-over food from catering to the club.

"It's a good thing to do for the community and for the kids," said McKay.

The program will feed a pilot group of 20 kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks, after which Woolridge will see if more kids can be enrolled.

"There's definitely a need for up to 35 kids per day," said Woolridge.

She pointed to the kids who won't eat their meal at the club, choosing instead to save it so they can share with their siblings at home.

"It's very sad," said Woolridge, adding although the club is constantly faced with needs they can't meet, they do the best they can with the resources they have.

"We just feel good knowing there's 20 kids two times a week who aren't going home hungry," she said.

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