This November, the Faroldi family is again encouraging others to think of the hungry children in schools. Their eighth annual cereal drive, in memory of their late son, Brady Faroldi, will provide cereals for school meal and snack programs, through The Food Sharing Project.
“I know Brady would have supported this organization for many years and I want to continue his work,” his mother, Roberta Faroldi, told Kingstonist in an email.
“I remember the night at dinner when he told us about this program. He had just started one of his teacher candidate placements and could not figure out where the kids were going in the mornings. He asked one little girl and she said to have breakfast. Brady said ‘You didn’t eat before you came to school?’ The little girl replied there was nothing to eat. That day, Brady discovered the Food Sharing Project and how many children are helped every day.”
Sadly, Brady passed away suddenly in June 2016. To honour his passion and his legacy, his family started a cereal drive in November 2016, and every November, they invite donations of yellow box Cheerios and Shreddies, as well as cash and gift cards, to continue to feed hungry kids.
“The other reason I continue to gather cereal each year is that I simply love him being remembered and talked about. We miss him so much, but it’s comforting to know such good things are being done in his memory,” Faroldi continued.
“Every year we are overwhelmed with people’s generosity. Our family is lucky to have many great friends, family, co-workers, and neighbours that support this charity. We were so proud of Brady for all of his achievements and we like to think he is proud of us for doing this.”
Eighty-eight schools across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington receive weekly support from The Food Sharing Project. Over the course of a school year, 16,000 students – half of all enrolled in the region – access their school’s nutrition program, either regularly or on occasion, according to the Food Sharing Project’s website.
“The Brady Faroldi cereal drive is not only a wonderful tribute to Brady, but school nutrition coordinators use cereal as a great base for a healthy meal. By adding milk and some fruit to whole grain cereal, kids can get a simple, balanced meal. School staff have limited time to prepare meals, and cereal is a quick and easy starting point that helps kids make it through the day,” said Andy Mills, Executive Director of The Food Sharing Project.
“The need for healthy food at school continues to rise as families are faced with increased prices on food, rent, utilities and more. Knowing they can rely on nutritious meals and snacks for their kids at school is one small amount of relief for parents.”
Donors are invited to purchase a box of cereal or PC and Costco gift cards and drop them off in the grey bin at the Faroldi’s, 1212 Amanda Court in Kingston. Pick-ups can be arranged by calling 613-329-3625. Donors can also support The Food Sharing Project by making cereal donations at their location, 37 Rigney Street, Unit 4, by making a financial donation by mail or online, or by supporting the United Way’s annual campaign.