Northumberland Food For Thought Approved for NUW Community Impact Grant
Northumberland’s Student Nutrition Programs get a big boost of support!
You might call a United Way grant money in the bank for local schools to stretch their food dollars and ensure students have the food they need to succeed in class.
Northumberland Food For Thought and its 40 member schools in Northumberland County will benefit from a $5,000 Community Impact Grant provided by Northumberland United Way (NUW). This grant will provide a discount on food items ordered via an online platform that enables schools to purchase food for their nutrition programs at affordable prices. The online store, created in 2019 by the Central East Student Nutrition Program, features food items that meet the nutrition guidelines set out by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, ensuring students have access to healthy food choices.
During COVID-19, the online food-ordering platform has also been invaluable to limit the need for in-person shopping during the public health crisis.
“Student Nutrition Programs generally operate on tight budgets, so this grant will really help schools stretch their food dollars,” says Beth Kolisnyk, Community Development Coordinator with Northumberland Food for Thought. “We are so grateful for the NUW grant. Without community support, we could not offer school programs the kind of financial support they desperately need.”
All student nutrition programs in Northumberland are free and voluntary, providing food to students every day to ensure they attend school well-nourished and ready to learn.
“Last year, over 6,000 students in Northumberland County benefited from a breakfast, lunch, or snack program at school,” says Sarah Tsang, Acting Chair of Northumberland Food For Thought and a Registered Dietitian with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “This online platform means that schools can purchase more healthy food more often, ensuring that students start their day off right – fueled for success. Establishing healthy eating habits early is key to optimizing lifelong health and well-being.”
The local United Way supports programs that address emerging or vital needs in the Northumberland community – something that perfectly describes Student Nutrition Programs in the area. “We’re thrilled to again be providing support for the online food ordering system,” notes Bobbie Dawson, the Executive Director of Northumberland United Way. “A small investment can go a long way to having a big impact in our community.”
Students come to school hungry for a variety of reasons. Student Nutrition Programs are there to ensure students have the food they need to succeed in school. Northumberland Food For Thought is the non-profit partnership that coordinates Student Nutrition Programs at local schools. Along with the support of residents, businesses and organizations like Northumberland United Way, local Student Nutrition Programs also receive financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through its lead local agency, the Peterborough Child and Family Centres.
