Praise is being heaped upon Food for Kids city of Kawartha Lakes, a not-for-profit community partnership committed to child nutrition, in recognition of their unwavering efforts in implementing Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) across all 32 local public schools. The initiatives are led by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit), and they underscore Food for Kids CKL’s commitment to the healthy eating and nourishment of children and youth.
Food for Kids CKL mobilizes the resources at their disposal to provide children with food that is not just nutritious and safe, but also personally acceptable. This means the children are better able to reach their learning potential. Fundraising and successful grant applications have allowed the organization to give a powerful boost to the SNPs, marked by contributions of $5,876 for procuring local food, and $10,367 intended for the acquisition of essential equipment for the school year of 2022-2023.
The organization’s commitment to nutrition plays a significant role in providing more than 10,000 students with crucial meals and snacks. A staggering 723,507 meals and snacks have been provided through these student nutrition initiatives, observed Kimberley Leadbetter, Public Health Dietician at the HKPR District Health Unit. She added, “Food for Kids CKL is a testament to the power of community partnerships.”
Efforts to provide a nurturing environment for students extend well beyond school parameters, as demonstrated by the City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Firefighters. They collected $2,064 through a toll road fundraiser held on May 13, 2023.
These contributions have a significant impact on student nutrition programs that typically operate on limited budgets. “The generous donations will greatly enhance the ability of schools to stretch their food dollars,” remarked Megan Curran, Community Development Coordinator with the Food for Kids CKL. The collected funds will be used to procure fresh, locally sourced food for the SNPs and assist in purchasing necessary kitchen supplies.
Acknowledging the broader benefits of nutritious school meals, Kimberly Leadbeater from the HKPR District Health Unit emphasized the key role food plays in achieving academic success. Consuming a balanced meal or snack at school allows children to adopt positive eating habits and prepares them for a full day of learning.
Above all, Food for Kids CKL’s ongoing efforts to promote healthy eating habits and provide access to wholesome food paves the way for brighter futures and enriches learning experiences.
Food for Kids City of Kawartha Lakes continues its mission as a not-for-profit community partnership. It consolidates local assets to ensure children and young people in the area have access to safe, nutritious, and personally acceptable food, enhancing their learning potential. By supporting the SNPs and buying essential supplies, the program seeks to contribute to the students’ overall well-being and academic success.
