‘Fresh from the Farm’ Fundraising Initiative for Schools Applauded

Written by admin, June 1, 2015

June 1, 2015 -Local Farms Provide Local Food to Help Local Schools Raise Funds

As Local Food Week gets underway, Public Health is truFood basketmpeting a unique fundraising program for schools that promotes Ontario grown food.

Now in its third year in Ontario, the Fresh from the Farm fundraiser recently expanded to the Peterborough area. The program enables students to sell locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of other food-related fundraising campaigns that traditionally offer less healthy and more processed food options. Registration for the program opened April 1, and will close October 1, with produce being delivered in November.

“This is certainly a distinct and innovative way for students to fundraise,” explains Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietician. “Rather than selling chocolate bars, cookie dough or fudge, students can now sell healthy food for their school fundraising campaign.  Not only is this a healthier alternative, as all of us could eat more fruits and vegetables, it also reinforces the healthy eating messages students are learning in school.”

So far the provincial pilot has raised $72,000 for schools that receive 40 per cent of the total proceeds, as well as $150,000 going back to local farmers. Complete with a teacher kit, the fundraiser provides opportunities for students to learn about agriculture and healthy food choices outside of the classroom.

This program was designed to conform to the Government of Ontario’s Local Food Strategy and the School Food & Beverage Policy. Students who eat a healthy diet are more likely to be successful in school, and through this program the government is promoting healthier lifestyles. To register your school, or for more information, visit www.freshfromthefarm.ca.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Luisa Magalhaes, RD, Public Health Nutritionist

705-743-1000, ext. 233


A A A