Ongoing Investment
– Local Credit Union Shows Its Support for Student Nutrition Programs… Eleven Years and Counting –
(NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY) – A Cobourg-based financial institution is showing plenty of interest in helping ensure students have the food they need to learn in class.
Kawartha Credit Union in Cobourg has recently donated $2,000 to support the work of Northumberland Food For Thought (NFFT). Food For Thought is the non-profit partnership that supports 53 student nutrition programs at 34 schools across Northumberland County.
It’s the 11th straight year that Kawartha Credit Union has provided funds to support student nutrition programs in the area. To date, the credit union has provided nearly $19,000 to NFFT, with funds coming from Kawartha’s Community Involvement Program.
“Our community involvement program is geared to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve, and what better way to do that than to help ensure students have the food they need to succeed in school,” says Dana Farrell, Manager of Kawartha Credit Union’s Cobourg Branch.
“For more than a decade, Kawartha Credit Union has been a strong supporter of student nutrition programs in the area, and we certainly appreciate its continuing commitment to help fuel student learning,” adds Beth Kolisnyk, Community Development Coordinator with NFFT.
According to Kolisnyk, support from local businesses and community members are vital for ensuring student nutrition programs can continue operating and making a difference each day. Local student nutrition programs also receive financial support from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services through its local agency, the Peterborough Family Resource Centre.
Northumberland Food For Thought helps to coordinate various types of student nutrition programs. Some provide a full sit-down breakfast before class, while others feature snack bins delivered to classrooms from which students can choose something to eat. Whatever form it takes, the goal of the nutrition program is to ensure students have enough to eat to learn in school. All programs are free, and open to any student.
According to Kolisnyk, students come to school hungry for a variety of reasons. Long bus rides to school, early morning practices and hurried morning routines can all be factors, she says.
To find out more about Northumberland Food for Thought, including how to volunteer with or financially support its work, visit its website.