‘Toonies for Tummies’ Fundaiser Comes Through Again to Support Student Nutrition Programs

Shoppers at area grocery stores have given their two cents worth by donating two bucks each to support student learning.

The net result is $3,325 that’s been raised for student nutrition programs in Northumberland County.

Northumberland Food For Thought is recognizing the Metro grocery stores in Port Hope and Cobourg for organizing the local Toonies for Tummies campaign. This past spring, shoppers at both Metro locations were asked to donate $2 to help ensure local students had enough to eat to learn at school. The money raised by Metro in the 2017 Toonies for Tummies campaign is a 10 per cent increase over what was raised in 2016.

“We want to thank local shoppers and the Metro stores in Port Hope and Cobourg for their generosity in supporting student learning right in their own communities,” says Beth Kolisnyk, the Community Development Coordinator with Northumberland Food For Thought. “This fundraiser really shows how toonies can add up over time.”

All money raised locally by Metro will stay here in the community, helping to support up to 16 schools in Port Hope and Cobourg.

Northumberland Food For Thought is the non-profit partnership that coordinates 56 student nutrition programs at 34 Northumberland schools. Locally, student nutrition programs consist of either a full sit-down breakfast before school starts or ones where snack bins are delivered to each classroom. These programs are free and voluntary, and provide food to thousands of students every day in Northumberland. Research shows student nutrition programs can help support student academic success by removing a major obstacle – hunger – to learning, Kolisnyk adds.

Besides receiving support from area residents and businesses like Metro, local student nutrition programs also receive financial support from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services through its lead local agency, the Peterborough Family Resource Centre.