Local food banks are getting a boost to help families with school-aged children over the holidays.
On Wednesday, the Upper Canada Leger Centre for Education & Training announced it is donating $40,000 to food banks across the region.
UCLCET administers and distributes funding for food programs in over 225 schools and youth agencies in Prescott, Russell, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry, Leeds & Grenville and Renfrew.
Executive Director Matthew Raby says the programs in our region serve more than 6,824,000 meals to over 46,000 students per year.
“Traditional service models have been adjusted this year to make sure nutritious foods can still be provided to students while ensuring every safety precaution is taken,” Raby said. “The partnership with local Food Banks helps to ensure we can continue reaching students, regardless of where they are learning.”
In typical times, healthy food is offered by these programs at no cost to students through food bins, buffet settings or student self-preparation areas.
This program is supported by the provincial Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, among other funding partners, food producers and distributors.
It’s made possible by the dedicated service of several hundred volunteers.
UCLCET Student Nutrition Program Manager Jennifer Cuillerier says local food banks will always play a vital role in our communities to ensure families remain food secure.
“We are so thankful for the generosity of our funding partners, food producers, and distributors,” Cuillerier said. “Through the well-established service and delivery models and standards established by Feed Ontario, we know that our food banks will be in position to provide healthy food to families with school-age children and youth in our communities at this time.”
To learn more about your local food banks, head here.