Peterborough City and County Celebrates 30 Years of Nourishing Students Through Food for Kids Program
/St. John’s Catholic Elementary School staff and students and a number of local school boards celebrated 30 years of Student Nutrition Programs in Peterborough City and County.
photo by felicia massey.
Whether it’s rushed mornings, long bus rides or not having access to food at home, some students arrive at school hungry. It is through non-profit organizations and community partnerships that students at 51 local elementary and high schools are able to start the school day with a nutritious meal.
Thirty years ago in 1992-93, a local service club approached two local schools in downtown Peterborough with the hopes of starting a breakfast program under the guidance of Peterborough Public Health’s nutrition and community development expertise.
The name ‘Food for Kids’ was chosen for the program after the number of participating schools grew to 12 in 1997. While continuing to advocate for and support a healthy, vital student nutrition program, the Food for Kids steering committee grew to include community members from various organizations/sectors outside the local school boards. Now, 96 per cent of local, publicly funded schools offer nutrition programs.
“The morning meal at our school is so much more than nourishing food. It’s a valuable part of school life,” says St. John’s principal Jennifer Wright. “It’s a warm, inviting, social part of the school day, where positive relationships and a sense of belonging are nurtured.”
