A story first, a lesson second
Children are naturally curious. They want to know how things work, where things come from and — on a good day — what something new might taste like.
The Gobbler builds on that curiosity.
Through a colourful world created by Pishier, food becomes something to explore rather than simply something children are told is “good for them.” The illustrations are designed to capture their attention and encourage them to discover the story at their own pace.
For Wolfe and Pishier, success can be as simple as the book starting a conversation at home or encouraging a child to try something they haven’t tasted before.
It’s a small shift in perspective, but an important one: making healthy eating approachable by connecting it with imagination, discovery and everyday family moments.
A Quebec story reaching children across Canada
Of course, an educational book can only make a difference if children have the opportunity to read it.
To help The Gobbler reach families across the country, Bel Canada built on its nearly five-year partnership with Food Banks Canada.
Together, the organizations distributed more than 30,000 copies of the book through 17 participating food banks across Canada.
The initiative adds another dimension to a partnership that already includes product donations, financial contributions and employee volunteering.
In that sense, The Gobbler is more than a book project. It’s another way to bring resources directly into communities and create opportunities for children and families to engage with healthy eating in a positive way.
Building on the impact of After the Bell
The project also complements Bel Canada’s support for After the Bell, Food Banks Canada’s youth-focused summer program.
During the school year, many children have access to meal and nutrition programs through their schools. During the summer, some of those supports disappear. After the Bell helps fill part of that gap by providing nutritious, child-friendly food packs to families during the summer months.
The need remains significant. Food Banks Canada notes that one in three food bank visits across the country is made by a child, and summer can create additional challenges for families when school-based food programs are unavailable.
Distributing The Gobbler through participating food banks offered a natural way to extend that relationship beyond access to food itself and into education, curiosity and family conversations about eating.
Sparking curiosity, one page at a time
Ultimately, The Gobbler is built around a simple idea: healthy habits are often shaped through small everyday moments.
A story read together. A question at the dinner table. A new food that suddenly seems a little more interesting. A conversation that might never have happened without a colourful character in a book.
With The Gobbler, Bel Canada hopes to create more of those moments while continuing its commitment to healthier and more responsible food for all.
And now, the story can continue at home.
Meet The Gobbler
A free digital version of the book is available online.
