Food for Kids City of Kawartha Lakes, a non-profit charity, has received commendation from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit for its successful implementation of student nutrition programs in all 32 local public schools. The organization has played a crucial role in ensuring that over 10,000 students in the Kawartha Lakes area have access to well-nourished meals, creating a positive impact on their learning potential and promoting healthy eating habits.
Since its establishment in 1999, Food for Kids has been dedicated to making sure that children attend school with proper nourishment and have access to nutritious food. Through strategic fundraising efforts and successful grant applications, they have contributed $5,876 towards local food purchases and $10,367 for essential equipment during the previous school year. This commitment has resulted in a remarkable total of 723,507 meals and snacks served through student nutrition programs, benefitting 10,227 students.
Kimberley Leadbetter, a public health dietitian with the local health unit, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in achieving this feat. She highlighted that having access to nourishing food at school not only contributes to students’ success but also helps them build positive eating habits and prepares them for a full day of learning.
The impact of Food for Kids’ efforts extends beyond the organization itself. The City of Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue Service Volunteer Firefighters organized a fundraiser, raising $2,064 to support the cause. This donation will significantly aid student nutrition programs, which often operate on tight budgets, enabling schools to stretch their food resources and provide fresh, locally sourced meals to students.
Megan Curran, the community development coordinator of Food for Kids CKL, acknowledged the importance of these contributions in procuring nutritious food for student nutrition programs and acquiring necessary kitchen supplies. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders have created a nurturing environment for students in the Kawartha Lakes area, supporting their overall well-being and academic success.
