Nutrition is important at every age. Children need proper nutrients stay healthy and strong, and grow up healthy and strong. It is also important for them to learn.
Northumberland Food For Thought (NFFT)’s mission is to ensure that all children in Northumberland County who attend school are well nourished and ready to learn.
Last year almost 6,000 students throughout Northumberland County benefited from a breakfast, lunch, or snack program at their school.
“These programs are open to all and promote healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime,” said Beth Kolisnyk – Community Development Coordinator for NFFT. “We aim to provide safe environments, free of judgment, and we make sure that students in Northumberland County receive the food they need to be ready to learn.”
Participating schools include:
· Beatrice Strong PS, Port Hope
· Brighton PS, Brighton
· Burnham PS, Cobourg
· Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Cobourg
· Colborne PS, Colborne
· C.R. Gummow PS, Cobourg
· Ganaraska Trail Public School
· Grafton PS, Grafton
· Hastings PS, Hastings
· Hillcrest PS, Campbellford
· Kent PS, Campbellford
· Merwin Greer PS, Cobourg
· Murray Centennial PS, Trenton
· North Hope Centennial PS, Campbellcroft
· Northumberland Hills Public School, Castleton
· Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School, Cobourg
· Percy Centennial PS, Warkworth
· Plainville PS, Gores Landing
· Rebound Child and Youth Services, Cobourg
· Roseneath Centennial PS, Roseneath
· Smithfield PS, Smithfield
· Spring Valley PS, Brighton
· Terry Fox PS, Cobourg
· Campbellford District HS, Campbellford
· Northumberland CIS – T.E.A.M
· East Northumberland Secondary School, Brighton
· Port Hope HS/Dr. M.S. Hawkins Senior PS, Port Hope
· Phoenix Off-Site, Campbellford
· Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies, Cobourg
· St. Anthony’s Elementary School, Port Hope
· St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Cobourg
· St. Mary’s Secondary School, Cobourg
· St. Mary’s Elementary School, Grafton
· St. Mary’s Elementary School, Campbellford
· St. Michael’s Elementary School, Cobourg
Each of these schools run with the support of school staff and volunteers from the community.
“Each program has a coordinator who is responsible for scheduling and organizing a team of people who share in the responsibility of setting menus, shopping, food prep and delivery, everything it takes to make the program run smoothly,” added Kolisnyk.
The NFFT also assists with raising funds, equipment purchases, and supports, recognizes and celebrates the work of volunteers and program sponsors.
“Students arrive hungry for a variety of reasons: long bus rides, hectic morning schedules, early morning activities, as some for economic reasons,” said Kolisnyk.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation to support these nutrition programs call Beth Kolisnyk at (905) 269-2712 or visit https://northumberlandfoodforthought.ca/.
