Fruits of Sherbrooke launches Project: Fruit Stars – Kickstarter Campaign; E4C partnership will bring rescued fruit into Edmonton’s high-needs schools.
Edmonton, Alberta, Sept. 3, 2015 – To help feed hungry kids, Fruits of Sherbrooke launched Project: Fruit Stars, in partnership with E4C. Project: Fruit Stars’ goal is to raise $17,000 through the online crowd-funding platform Kickstarter.com, running until September 17, 2015. Funds will go towards commercial equipment, kitchen supplies and packaging materials to produce 50,000 apple snack bags, which will be donated to E4C’s School Nutrition Program.
According to the Social Planning Council’s 2015 Poverty Profile, 1 in 5 children in Edmonton live in poverty and about 40% of the people served by Edmonton’s Food Bank in a typical month are children and youth under the age of 18.
The School Nutrition Program provides a nutritious mid-morning snack or breakfast each school day to over 5,600 students in 23 high-needs schools.
“E4C’s School Nutrition Program helps to lessen the stress on families, as parents know that their children will receive something to eat in the morning, even when they miss breakfast. It helps children to concentrate and learn more effectively; students look forward to the snack everyday.” – Principal, E4C Partner School.
Edmonton based not-for-profit society Fruits of Sherbrooke last year diverted 15,000kg of rescued locally grown apples to food programs throughout the city. By partnering with E4C, unwanted apples can now go to kids in need instead of into landfills.
“Feeding the hungry with rescued local fruit has always been our goal. The funds raised through Kickstarter.com will finally make it possible to feed those who need it the most. We are very fortunate to partner with E4C on Project: Fruit Stars, nurturing our community together and building better futures for everyone,” said Christina Piecha, President, Fruits of Sherbrooke.
Fruits of Sherbrooke was established in 2010 and uses locally grown fruit that is not being used by the tree owner to make delicious jams, jellies and condiments. Products contain 60% – 100% rescued fruit and are sold at local farmer’s markets and select retail locations.
For more than 40 years, E4C has been helping Edmontonians get what they need to tackle life’s challenges. E4C is a non-profit human services charitable organization that moves people toward positive, healthy and lasting change.