By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland Food For Thought has announced that its 50 members schools throughout the county have received a big boost in the form of a Northumberland United Way Community Impact Grant of $5,000.

The announcement explained that this grant will provide a discount on food items ordered via an online platform that enables schools to purchase food for their nutrition programs at affordable prices.

The on-line store, created in 2019 by the Central East Student Nutrition Program features food items that meet Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services nutrition guidelines, ensuring access to healthy food choices for students.

And during COVID-19, this on-line food-ordering platform was an invaluable tool that helped limit in-person shopping during a public health crisis.

“Student Nutrition Programs generally operate on tight budgets, so this grant will really help schools stretch their food dollars,” Food For Thought Community Development Co-ordinator Beth Kolisnyk said in the press release.

“We are so grateful for the NUW grant. Without community support, we could not offer school programs the kind of financial support they desperately need.”

All student nutrition programs in Northumberland are free and voluntary, providing food to students every day to ensure they attend school well-nourished and ready to learn. Sarah Tsang – a Registered Dietitian with the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Northumberland Food For Thought Acting Chair – said that more than 6,000 Northumberland students benefited from a breakfast, lunch or snack program at school last year.

“This on-line platform means that schools can purchase more healthy food more often, ensuring that students start their day off right - fueled for success,” Tsang said.

“Establishing healthy eating habits early is key to optimizing lifelong health and well-being.”

The local United Way supports programs that address emerging or vital needs in the Northumberland community – an apt description of local Student Nutrition Programs.

Students come to school hungry for a variety of reasons. These programs are there to ensure students have the food they need to succeed in school.

Northumberland Food For Thought is the non-profit partnership that co-ordinates these program at local schools. Along with the support of residents, businesses and organizations like Northumberland United Way, local Student Nutrition Programs also get financial support from Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through its lead local agency, the Peterborough Child and Family Centres.

“We’re thrilled to again be providing support for the online food ordering system,” Northumberland United Way Executive Director Bobbie Dawson said.

“A small investment can go a long way to having a big impact in our community.”