IDLF Launches “Ignite Summer” Campaign Following Concerning Student Nutrition Survey

Durham Region, ON – The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) is sounding the alarm on growing student hunger across Durham Region following the release of its 2026 School Food Nutrition Survey and urging the community to participate in their Ignite Summer Campaign. 

The survey, which gathered responses from 119 DDSB schools, paints a sobering picture of the increasing reliance on school-based food programs to meet the basic nutritional needs of children and youth across Durham Region. Many schools reported that they are increasingly supporting students who arrive at school without lunches or sufficient food for the day. 

Key Findings: 

• Schools reported serving an average of 166 students daily through snack and nutrition break programs, with some schools reporting nearly 700 students accessing daily nutrition snack programs. 
• More than 28% of schools offer at least one free breakfast program per week. 
• Only 11% of schools reported having a food pantry available for students and families. 
• Schools identified funding shortages, growing student need, and lack of volunteers as major barriers to sustaining programs, and continue to rely heavily on community donations, grants, and organizations like IDLF to help fill critical gaps. 

“The results confirm what educators, school staff, and community organizations are witnessing every day, student hunger is real, growing, and impacting learning,” said Michelle Arseneault, Secretary of the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Board and DDSB Trustee. “For many students, school food programs are not simply a snack or convenience, they are a lifeline.” 

The survey also highlighted the incredible compassion, collaboration, and creativity demonstrated by Durham schools and the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. Educators, volunteers, and community partners continue to step up to provide breakfast clubs, snack bins, food pantries, take-home food supports, culturally responsive meals, and emergency nutrition assistance for students and families. 

And the need does not stop when schools close for the summer. 

To address the growing gap in access to nutrition supports during July and August, IDLF is launching its “Ignite Summer” campaign, a community fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting student nutrition throughout the summer months. 

Funds raised through the campaign will help provide: 

• Healthy snacks, meal, and grocery support for students and families, including for DDSB summer school programs 
• Emergency food assistance for vulnerable students and youth 

“When school doors close for the summer, many students lose access to the consistent nutrition they rely on throughout the school year,” said Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. “The Ignite Summer campaign is about ensuring Durham children continue to have access to healthy food, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive all summer long.” 

To learn more or support the Ignite Summer Campaign, visit idlf.ca or contact the IDLF team at ignite.foundation@ddsb.ca 

About Ignite Durham Learning Foundation:

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation is a charitable organization operating within the Durham District School Board. We exist to support students experiencing poverty, which can have a deep and lasting effect on a child’s physical, mental, emotional and academic development. We believe every student should have nutritious food at lunch and snacks, be dressed for the weather, and can find success in post-secondary education. More information can be found on the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation website www.IDLF.ca. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on LinkedIn @ignitedurhamlearningfoundation and Instagram @ignitedurhamlf. Charitable Registration #: 74018 7919 RR0001 Click here to support our work.