Mealshare
Mealshare, a Canada-wide organization, is trying to put an end to youth hunger. This national social enterprise believes that nutritious food is essential for all children. Katie Hession, Ottawa’s Mealshare community leader, says the organization was hit hard when restaurants closed during the pandemic, and that it’s time to draw attention back to this important initiative. Founded in
2013 and launched in Ottawa in 2016, Mealshare helps 450 local charities across Canada including Operation Come Home, the Parkdale Food Centre and the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
A&W recently signed on to the Mealshare program with Mealshare Mondays. When customers order a Cheddar Bacon Uncle Burger combo, one meal will be provided to a youth in need. And every day of the week, A&W customers are able to make any meal a Mealshare item by adding $1 to their order.
Many local restaurants are involved in the buy-one/give-one model or the Make it a Mealshare by adding an extra dollar. For every Mealshare item sold, a dollar is then donated to the non-profit to help feed kids who need a nutritious meal.
When you are heading back to restaurants or ordering your takeout items, keep an eye out for the Mealshare logo so you can help give back to hungry youth in our community. Eighty per cent of the financial support raised in the community stays in the area it came from. You can also head to www.mealshare.ca to make a donation or to find a list of local restaurants that support this initiative.