By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland Food For Thought has announced a $2,000 donation from Kawartha Credit Union to help ensure students have access to healthy, safe food through their school nutrition programs.

These funds, which come through the financial institution's Community Involvement Program, will help area schools cover the costs of purchasing and repairing the kitchen equipment and appliances that are fundamental to the running of these programs.

“For a school to run a nutrition program effectively, a foundation of safe appliances – such as a fridge or dishwasher, kitchenware and cafeteria supplies – are needed,” Food For Thought Community Development Coordinator Beth Kolisnyk said in the announcement.

“Schools needing equipment repairs, inventory replenishment or help with funding deficits will greatly benefit from this donation from Kawartha Credit Union.”

More than 6,000 Northumberland students participated in school nutrition programs last year. Northumberland Food For Thought is the non-profit partnership that co-ordinates the student nutrition programs that help ensures students are properly fueled for the classroom. Support from such organizations as Kawartha Credit Union help make this service possible.

“Kawartha Credit Union strives to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, and this donation to Northumberland Food For Thought will support the well-being of local students,” Executive Vice-President of Marketing and Corporate Communications Crystal Dayman said in the press release.

Along with the generous support of residents, businesses and organizations, the Student Nutrition Program also receives financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through its lead local agency, the Peterborough Child and Family Centres.