Grafton couple makes huge donation in support of student nutrition

Photo of Garry and Susan Jewell at Grafton Public School. Courtesy of Northumberland Food for Thought.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News.

A very generous donation by Grafton couple Garry and Susan Jewell will see student nutrition programs in Northumberland County thrive. The Jewell’s recently donated approximately $24,000 to Northumberland Food for Thought, which to-date is the largest single donation to their program.

“We have never seen an individual donation of that size,” said Kimberly Leadbeater, Registered Dietitian with Lakelands Public Health and Chair of Northumberland Food for Thought. “Their support helps us provide consistent, healthy food options for students and reinforces the important connection between nutrition and learning.”

The Student Nutrition Program is free of any child to access, no questions asked, at all schools in the county. Volunteers donate their time to help prepare and distribute the food to students each day. One hundred percent of the funds will be used to help schools offset food costs for their programs. Schools can access an online store, which offers percentage discounts for bulk purchases, which stretches program dollars further.

“We know that students arrive at school hungry for a variety of reasons. Being able to start their day with balanced meals and snacks, consisting of fruit, vegetables, protein and whole grains is a fabulous start to their day,” explained Leadbeater.

Leadbeater said her team were taken aback when connected by the Jewell’s for their donation. Garry had reached out indicating that he and Susan were donating around $20,000. The shock and amazement by the Northumberland Food for Thought team of the Jewell’s generosity, had them asking why such a large amount of money? Leadbeater stated that Susan has a passion for helping children and wanted to make an impact in an area, which truly matters.

“We were so pleased to welcome Garry and Susan to our Student Nutrition Program at Grafton Public School,” added Mary Ellen French, Acting Principal at Grafton Public School. “Inviting them to see the program firsthand was our way of giving back and showing just how meaningful community support is to our school.”