Food for Kids Volunteers Celebrated
Written by admin, April 13, 2017
April 12, 2017 – Serving 2.5 Million Breakfasts and Snacks Last Year to Local Students
Hundreds of Volunteers Recognized at Appreciation Luncheon
Today, more than 200 volunteers were honoured for their amazing contributions that make school breakfast and snack programs possible in schools throughout Peterborough County and City.
“We are honoured to celebrate all of the incredible volunteers who help to make Student Nutrition Programs in so successful,” said Susan McEwen, Chair of the Food for Kids Steering Committee. “Without them, these programs wouldn’t exist.”
“Last year Food for Kids served over 2.5 million healthy breakfasts and snacks to 17,364 students in 48 local schools. Over 1,000 volunteers gave 1,100 hours each week to programs to feed kids for better learning,” said Angela Fuchs, Food for Kids Student Nutrition Program Coordinator. “Volunteers contribute in many roles. Some do grocery shopping, or picking up food. Others help with food prep, serving meals or fundraising. Every contribution makes a positive impact to student success in the classroom, day in and day out.”
The Food for Kids partnership supports 48 school breakfast programs. Nutritious foods are served by volunteers in a friendly, welcoming environment. “There are many reasons why kids arrive at school with empty stomachs. Long bus rides, skipped breakfasts, and not enough food at home are some of them. Universal breakfast and snack programs help students get the energy they need to focus and learn,” said Lauren Kennedy, Registered Dietitian at Peterborough Public Health. “Healthy foods such as vegetables, fruit, cheese, yogurt, and whole grains help kids get the nutrition they need for the busy school day.”
Today’s luncheon recognized the contributions and dedication of Food for Kids’ many volunteers. There will also be 44 Student Nutrition Program volunteers honoured at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards in May, for two, five, ten, fifteen, and twenty years of service. Susan McEwen expressed her sincere gratitude for the more than 150 community partners and sponsors who provide support.
“Thank you to all who contribute time, food, funding, supplies and space. Food for Kids needs you! Thank you for making an important impact on kids in our community.”
To get in touch with Food for Kids, call 705-743-1000 or go to www.foodforkidsptbo.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Lauren Kennedy, MScFN, RD
Registered Dietitian
705-743-1000, ext. 233