May 22, 2008

More brain food for Ontario kids

McGuinty government helping kids get a healthy start

News

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That’s what we always hear. So the Ontario government is helping more kids get that all-important morning meal by doubling its funding of the student nutrition program across the province.

The province is working with community partners and businesses to help more children and youth, especially those in high-needs neighbourhoods, get a healthy breakfast or snack so they are ready to learn in class. 

Ontario is investing an additional $32 million in the student nutrition program over three years. Approximately 700 new breakfast programs will be created and 300 existing programs will be expanded in communities with the highest need. This funding includes one-time funds to help new programs buy items like fridges, stoves and dishwashers.

Helping kids be ready to learn is an important part of the government’s plan to develop a poverty reduction strategy that enables more Ontarians to work, build and contribute to a stronger economy. 

Minister Matthews helps out at snack time for grade 5 and 6 students
at Bishop Townshend Public School In London.

Quotes

“These programs are a great example of how government can work with community agencies and businesses to make a tangible difference in the lives of our kids,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews. “Government cannot do it alone. We need all-hands-on-deck.”

“Teachers are always telling us they see a difference in the students who participate in the nutrition program,” said program coordinator Stephanie Segave. “When students start the day off with a healthy meal and a warm smile from a volunteer it can have a positive impact on their social and academic performance for the rest of the day.”

Quick Facts

• Nearly 400,000 students across the province are benefiting from more than 3,000 existing breakfast, lunch and snack programs supported by the Ontario government. 
• In 2008-09, communities in Southwestern Ontario, including London, will receive an additional $1.3 million on top of their base funding of $1.2 million for a total allocation of approximately $2.5 million.
• Research shows hungry kids have trouble focusing and learning in the classroom. This can affect their growth, development and success in school.

Learn More

• Learn more about Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program.
• Find out more about the program’s nutrition guidelines which ensure children are served foods that are healthy and nutritious.
• Learn more about eating healthier, more nutritious food at Eat Right Ontario.
• Find out more about what’s happening in the fight against poverty in Ontario at www.ontario.ca/growingstronger.