The 11th annual Feed the Meter campaign is back in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
Hastings and Prince Edward counties and the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation have teamed up again for the 11th consecutive Feed the Meter campaign in support of Food for Learning. Photo by Alex Mahar/ Quinte News.
For the month of December, parking will be free in downtown Belleville, Trenton and Picton. Feeding the meter is an optional donation, with all the proceeds staying in the community and going toward Food for Learning’s student nutrition programs at area schools.
Food for Learning aims to ensure that all students have daily access to breakfast, lunch and snacks while at school. According to executive director for the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation, Maribeth deSnoo, students arrive at school hungry for a variety of reasons: poverty, rushed mornings and long bus rides.
To spread awareness, Food for Learning has set up posters throughout Belleville’s downtown core and shared information about the initiative on social media said Food for Learning coordinator, Kellie Brace.
Brace says the goal for this year is to raise $40,000. Last year the campaign raised over $38,000.
In the last school year, more than 1.1 million meals and snacks were provided within Hastings and Prince Edward schools through the program.
Brace adds that it is essential for students to get proper nutritious meals during the school day.
The campaign held a community breakfast for dinner campaign launch Tuesday night at the Greek Banquet Hall in Belleville.
Students celebrate the annual kickoff of the Feed the Meter campaign at the Greek Banquet Hall Tuesday night. Photo by Alex Mahar/ Quinte News.
