A “Great Big Crunch” in Support of Healthy Food at School!
Written by Comms Team, March 10, 2022
R.F. Downey Public School Makes Noise for School Food Programs
Today, 250 R.F. Downey elementary school students and staff crunched down on Ontario Empire apples. Their aim is to raise awareness of the importance of healthy food at school. For 14 years, this school’s vibrant breakfast program has warmly welcomed students daily with a morning meal.
“Access to nourishing food at school contributes to our students’ success,” says Barb Bloom, principal at the school. “As our students walk into the classroom, they can grab something to eat. When they start their day with the nutrition they need, they are better prepared for a full day of learning.”
Kathy Wollney, a former Child and Youth Worker at the school, continues as a coordinator of the program. “I truly believe that children need a great start to their day. Working with volunteers and staff to ensure students have a nutritious breakfast before school is so rewarding. Now that I am retired, I love baking muffins, protein balls and preparing vegetables to help out.”
Canada is the only G7 country that does not have a national school food program. The Great Big Crunch is a national event to highlight the need for a universal access to healthy food at school. The federal government has pledged $1 Billion over five years to develop a Canada-wide healthy school food program.
“Our community and school boards have been long-time supporters of local student nutrition programs. The first two breakfast programs started in 1992. Now, 96% of publicly funded schools in Peterborough and County offer healthy food at school,” says Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health. “This federal commitment would mean secure funding to make our programs even better.” School food programs are linked with positive impacts on children’s mental health, behaviours, and ability to learn.
Angela Fuchs, Community Development Coordinator, supports local Food for Kids student nutrition programs. “Our volunteers and school staff have pivoted, adapted, and persevered in the face of many changes in the past two years,” says Fuchs. “Their commitment has ensured hungry students continue to have access to healthy food at school. For that, we are so thankful!”.
Last year, even during school closures, Food for Kids continued to find ways to get food to students in different ways. Generous donations and grants made it possible. A special thank-you to our community, the United Way Peterborough & District, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Show Kids you Care, Kawartha Credit Union, Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Breakfast Club of Canada, and the Grocery Foundation for their continued support.
For more information: www.FoodforKidsPTBO.ca or #foodforkidsptbo or @FoodForKidsPtbo
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391