(Submitted to Quinte News)
Last year, over 750 volunteers from across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties made a powerful difference in the lives of local students by supporting the Food for Learning program. Together, they helped prepare and serve over 1.5 million meals and snacks — fueling learning, focus, and brighter futures. Locally, Food for Learning programs are in 100% of publicly funded schools and ensure that every student has access to healthy food at school, so they can focus on what matters most — learning, growing, and thriving.
But hunger doesn’t take a break, and Food for Learning urgently needs volunteers to help ensure that programs grow and thrive.
We know that students in our area arrive at school hungry for a variety of reasons – no food at home, rushed mornings, long bus rides – the reasons vary, but the need is real regardless of the reason, Food for Learning aims to minimize the hunger faced by children and youth in Hastings and Prince Edward counties each day. When students eat better, they can learn better.
“When a student walks into school hungry, it’s almost impossible for them to focus. Volunteers help us remove that barrier. Their time, their care — it makes all the difference,” says Kerri Cooper, Program Coordinator for Food for Learning. “Two years ago, Food for Learning was supporting one-in-four local students – now, we are serving one-in-three local students,” says Cooper. “We’re calling on community members to help us meet the growing demand for feeding kids, and do even more this year.”
Volunteers are needed now.
Many schools across our region are looking to expand their Student Nutrition Programs or launch new ones — but they can’t do it without you. Whether you’re a parent, retiree, student, or simply someone who cares, giving just two hours a week can change a child’s day — and their future.
You’ll help:
- Prepare healthy meals and snacks
- Serve food with a smile
- Clean up and support daily routines
“It’s the best part of my week. Seeing the kids smile when they grab a muffin or yogurt — knowing I helped start their day off right — it fills your heart,” says Linda M., Food for Learning volunteer.
No experience is needed — just a willingness to help and a heart for kids. We currently have volunteer openings in every community within Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
To sign up to volunteer, email info@hpelf.ca . If you have additional questions, you can 613-966-1170 ext 62378.
Donations to support Food for Learning, can be made HERE.
