Frequently Asked Questions

The Grocery Foundation works with our student nutrition partners, the Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) and Breakfast Club of Canada in western Canada to administer the donations collected.

How much of my donation goes towards student nutrition?

100% of proceeds raised from Toonies stays local, helping either the Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) or Breakfast Club of Canada to feed children.

How does The Grocery Foundation identify local programs?

The Foundation works with our partners, including the Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO), and in western Canada, Breakfast Club of Canada, to identify eligible school-based student nutrition programs. These programs benefit from donations made in-store and online once the campaign ends.

What if I do not see a program in the vicinity of the store where I am shopping?

The Toonie Tracker includes the programs that benefit at this time. The programs which receive funding continues to evolve. Once the campaign ends, we will identify a local program to receive funding. This program will be in the vicinity of the store (where the funds are collected). This may include a program that is currently on a wait list. Please also be sure to zoom out on the toonie tracker.

Can I donate more than a toonie at the grocery store? Can I get a tax receipt?

Yes, visit the customer service desk to make a donation of more than a toonie. Donations of $25 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. The cashier will take a photo of your receipt and ask you for your full name and address. This information is forwarded to The Grocery Foundation to issue a tax receipt to you.

Why are schools not named?

We do not publish school names for privacy reasons.

Can I direct my funds to a specific program?

No. But you can be assured that your donation will go to a program in the community where the donation is made.

What is the criteria for foods served in the student nutrition programs?

The criteria is determined by the organizations that administer the programs and is based on nutrition guidelines set by each respective province.

Do you run a student nutrition program in your school and don’t see it listed on the tracker?

Email us at toonies@groceryfoundation.com

Help Us Make Breakfast a Reality for a Hungry Child

Chasing dreams should be part of every child’s day. Going without breakfast shouldn’t be.

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We are so grateful to Canadians who support Toonies for Tummies during our annual store campaign and, year-round, online.

You may know on April 16th, the Federal Government confirmed plans to support student nutrition programs. Specifically, the budget has announced the creation of a National School Food Program, which will provide $1 billion over five years to Employment and Social Development Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada, starting in 2024‑25.

You may wonder what does this government funding mean specific to the need and our efforts to fundraise?

Without a doubt, we continue to need your support. While many student nutrition program leaders are encouraged by the incremental government support, many have taken to the news and social media to confirm even with this support, funding gaps will persist.

The Grocery Foundation's Vision, that no Canadian child goes to school hungry, remains fully intact. Our work continues and remains vital to support hungry children through their school’s student nutrition program. There is no change whatsoever in our focus, our mission, or our reliance on your support.

The programs we help fund are universal in nature. That means all children who require a healthy meal have access. Those on the front lines of these programs affirm their positive impact and positive halo beyond the day’s nutrition, from attendance, behaviours to the school community and mental health. The programs you help fund also support foundational nutrition knowledge and social skill building, as many programs include mechanisms for student involvement in menu planning, food preparation and serving of food to peers.

Thank you for choosing to support hungry children in your community, nourishing their health, well-being, academic success while fostering their school community. With your continued support, we will continue to help dreams take flight and nourish over 3,000 programs and neighbourhoods, yours among them.