Halloween is a festive night, but for many students it can become a chance to do something bigger. A growing number of young people in Canada are embracing a role called Hunger Hero, turning trick-or-treating into a community act of feeding neighbors in need. Across the country, tens of thousands of students are participating in Free The Children We Scare Hunger campaign with a bold goal: gather one million pounds of food for local food banks. The message is clear and hopeful. This is not about denying candy but about balancing celebration with giving. Hunger Heroes show that a night of fun can also light up shelves in a food bank with meals for families and individuals who struggle to put food on the table. The We Scare Hunger initiative draws on the energy of youth and the practical support of partners, including the Campbell Company of Canada, to reach more people and more cities. The partnership blends youthful enthusiasm with corporate resources, logistical know-how, and broad community reach. In short, Halloween becomes a platform for generosity, education, and resilience, aligning the thrill of the night with a lasting, tangible impact on hunger in communities.
Schools have been collecting canned and non-perishable foods all month, turning classrooms into mini food drives and cafeterias into donation hubs. Tomorrow is the moment Hunger Heroes really step into the spotlight as youth go door to door in their communities to request food donations and to spread the word. The effort builds a bridge between Halloween excitement and everyday needs, showing that a generous knock on a neighbor’s door can become a meal for someone who would otherwise go hungry. Volunteers are busy sorting and weighing items, coordinating pickups with local food banks, and ensuring that donations are stored safely until distribution. Common requests focus on shelf-stable staples like canned soups, beans, peanut butter, pasta, cereals, and cans of vegetables, which are easy to deliver and have long shelf lives. The message extends beyond collecting; it is about building a habit of giving and encouraging families to think of hunger relief as a year-round responsibility.
Free The Children has teamed up with Campbell Company of Canada for this important cause. Last year, North America raised more than 850,000 pounds of food, and this year the goal is one million pounds. The partnership leverages a national network of schools, corporate volunteers, and community partners to maximize impact. Campbell Canada brings logistical support, product donations, and promotional reach that help schools mobilize and sustain their drives. The alliance also helps create momentum beyond a single night, encouraging ongoing involvement from students, families, and local businesses. Through coordinated efforts, every donation moves the campaign closer to its ambitious target and demonstrates how a community can rally around a shared purpose.
Did you know that 870 million people around the world go hungry each day? Some of them live in communities just like yours, right where you walk your streets, shop, and go to school. That stark reality makes Halloween more than a costume party; it makes it a chance to channel generosity into real help. The We Scare Hunger message invites everyone to swap some candy for canned goods, turning a moment of personal indulgence into a shared act of care. By choosing to donate, families contribute to a network of food banks that provide emergency groceries, meal programs, and support services. The effort also raises awareness about hunger in North America and globally, encouraging longer-term actions such as volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for more sustainable food systems. The goal of one million pounds is ambitious, but it is within reach when communities join forces and keep the habit of giving well beyond Halloween.
Want to be Hunger Hero? Learn how to get involved and make a difference in your locality. Individuals can participate through school drives, campus clubs, or neighborhood groups, while families can organize door-to-door collections or partner with local food banks to schedule pickups. Communities may host sorting stations, receipt programs, and awareness campaigns that educate both kids and adults about hunger and its solutions. The We Scare Hunger campaign provides guidance, resources, and a framework for a successful drive, but the real power lies in local leadership and steady participation. Whether in Canada or the United States, every donation matters and every volunteer hour matters, because a single can of soup can sustain a family for a night and spark a longer journey toward food security. Those who want to join should connect with their school administrators or local food banks to learn about participating programs and upcoming events.