Taking a Virtual “Great Big Crunch” at Peterborough’s Newest Student Nutrition Program

Written by Comms Team, March 12, 2021

St. Catherine’s Catholic Elementary Students Celebrate Healthy Food at School

Today, 650 St. Catherine’s Catholic Elementary School students and staff crunched down on Ontario Royal Gala in a virtual event. This school is the most recent addition to Peterborough and County Student Nutrition Programs.

“Access to nourishing food at school is a key part to a healthy school. It helps to build an even more supportive community,” said Julie Selby, Principal at the school. “When kids have the nutrition they need throughout their day, they are better prepared for a full day of learning. The feedback from students over the past two years has been so positive! It has been a welcome addition to the school day.”

In the past, The Great Big Crunch has been a synchronized event to show national support for good food at school. Like so many things this year, the event has had to adapt. Instead of a unified bite on a set day and time, schools can “crunch” anytime in March.
Angela Fuchs, Food for Kids’ Student Nutrition Program Coordinator, attended the virtual event. “Our student nutrition programs look different this year,” said Fuchs. “But despite all the challenges, the community continues to work together to make programs happen safely. This feat is worth celebrating!”

“We know more families are struggling since the pandemic started,” said Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health. “The need for healthy food at school has grown. Local nutrition programs have persevered in the face of many changes, and for that, we are so thankful!”

Last year, 950 local volunteers fed over 19,000 students. Even during school closures, Food for Kids continued to find ways to get food to kids in different ways. In its’ eighth year, the School Food Box delivers fresh vegetables and fruit, and cheese to school programs, bi-weekly. Generous donations and grants make it possible. A special thank-you to the United Way Peterborough & District, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Show Kids you Care, Kawartha Credit Union and Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains.

For more information: www.FoodforKidsPTBO.ca

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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian
Peterborough Public Health
(705) 743-1000, ext. 233


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