Youth hunger focus of February fundraiser in Sudbury

The Sudbury Youth Wellness Hub has launched a fundraising campaign to help feed youth who are struggling with food insecurity.

Officials with the hub told CTV News that hunger is a barrier for young people seeking support and resources offered at the centre.

“Here they can access a space that is safe and inclusive,” said Isabelle Chaussée, the director of clinical and client services at the Youth Wellness Hub.

“They can hang out with other peers their age they can eat food and they can also access services for mental health and addictions as well as primary care services.”

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The Sudbury Youth Wellness Hub is located downtown in the same building as the YMCA on Durham Street.

The site offers a variety of free and confidential services for youth ages 12-25.

“We basically want them to feel like they have a place they can go for anything that they need. So we want them to feel safe here first of all first and foremost,” said Amanda Gates, the care co-ordinator at the bub.

Officials said over the past three months the Hub has seen an average of 33 youth a day accessing services and the safe space.

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Staff said they have noticed many coming in hungry.

“We realize that having food in your belly is one of the social determinants of health,” said Chaussée.

“It’s really tough to tackle things pertaining to your mental health when your basic needs are not met… that is one of the big things that we have noticed.”

Officials said they hope Feed the Youth in February fundraiser will help bridge that hunger gap.

The hub is also accepting monetary donations and links can be found on their social media pages.