News

Families are facing challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. Many parents are out of work and as families face increased financial strain, keeping food on the table is difficult. At the same time, the cost of food has risen, and will continue to rise*, as the economy begins to recover, putting even more stress on struggling families and their children.

Whether learning in-school or at home, access to nourishing food is crucial for children. 

*For more information on rising food costs, click here:
https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/02/17/food-prices-set-to-rise-as-economy-recovers-from-covid-experts-say.html

A new StatCan report has shown that COVID-19 has increased rates of food insecurity in Canada, which is impacting mental health. Up to 40% of Canadians experiencing food insecurity struggle with mental health challenges. Through Student Nutrition Programs, we are working to support students’ mental health by ensuring they have access to nourishing food, no matter what. 

To read more about the results of the StanCan report, and the impact of food insecurity on mental health, click here: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/12/17/news/covid-19-canadians-food-security-mental-health-statcan

This year has been challenging for children and their families. Many parents have lost their jobs due to the impact of COVID-19 and budgets are strained; this at a time when food costs are rising. Next year, a family of four will need to spend $695 more than this year, just to keep food on the table*. Student Nutrition Programs help children access the nourishing food they need to thrive.

 *For more information on the Canada Food Price Report, click here: 
https://www.cp24.com/news/canadians-to-pay-up-to-695-more-per-year-for-groceries-in-2021-report-says-1.5221442

Read the full article here.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, nutrition programs have made many changes in order to keep feeding students.

To read the full article, click here.

On Friday October 9th, representatives from Egg Farmers of Ontario were at Brechin Public School to present a cheque for $75,000 to Student Nutrition Ontario. It’s part of the farmers’ three-year, $225,000 commitment to the organization.

Read the full article here.

Toronto, ON – October 13, 2020 – The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) has partnered with Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) for a second year to help bring fresh fruits and vegetables to students province wide.

“The OPMA is proud to support an organization that is committed to providing children with nutritious food,” said Michelle Broom, OPMA President. “COVID-19 has highlighted the issue of food insecurity across our province. This partnership ensures that students have what they need to succeed.”

Several studies indicate that a child’s access to healthy food can directly affect their ability to focus and learn. The partnership between SNO and OPMA provides students with nutritious meals and snacks that they might not otherwise have access to. Last year the grant serviced 95 schools and nearly 17,000 students across the province. Over 800 Kg of fresh fruit and vegetables were delivered through snack and meal programs. Thanks to the combined efforts of the organizations, students in the northern parts of Ontario who do not regularly have access to fresh peppers and nectarines were able to have this experience.

“The generous donation from the Ontario Produce Marketing Association has come at such a crucial time. We know that many families are struggling financially because of COVID-19 and, with students back in school, Nutrition Programs are more important than ever.” Says Catherine Parsonage, Student Nutrition Ontario Chair.

While things might look a little different this year, SNO is working hard so that children still have access to nutritious food. Students are served individually pre-packaged meals to ensure their safety as well as that of the many volunteers that help to make the program a success. Together, the organizations hope to foster an environment where children understand the importance of a well-balanced diet and are encouraged to try new things.

About Student Nutrition Ontario: At Student Nutrition Ontario, we stand for community, collaboration, and student success. We empower communities to address local needs and ensure that every student has access to nutritious foods, learns to make healthy choices, and is able to succeed.

About Ontario Produce Marketing Association: The Ontario Produce Marketing Association is a member funded, not for profit organization whose mission is to connect people and information from field to plate.

For more information contact:

Emilia De Sousa
Marketing and Communications Manager | Ontario Produce Marketing Association
emilia@theopma.ca

Cristina Caruso
Communications & Development Specialist| Toronto Foundation for Student Success cristina.caruso@tfss.ca

BRECHIN, Friday, October 9, 2020 – In celebration of World Egg Day, the Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO) will be visiting Brechin Public School in Simcoe County on Friday October 9th at 10:00 a.m, to present a cheque for $75,000 to Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO). The funds are part of EFO’s $225,000 three-year commitment to Student Nutrition Programs across the Province. Thanks to the commitment of EFO, hungry students across Ontario will have access to eggs-citing meals.

“Ontario’s egg farmers are committed through this partnership to helping students by providing schools funding to purchase eggs or better equipment needed to serve fresh, high-quality Ontario eggs in schools across the province,” said Scott Helps, Egg Farmers of Ontario Chair.

Before schools closed mid-March 2020, around one-million children in Ontario, age 3 to 18, relied on Student Nutrition Programs to get through the school day. During COVID-19 the need has only grown. The support provided by the Egg Farmers of Ontario is needed now, more than ever.

“Many families are struggling financially because of COVID-19 and, with students back in school, nutrition programs play an important role in ensuring children have access to nutritious food each day,” says Catherine Parsonage, Student Nutrition Ontario Chair. “Egg Farmers of Ontario’s generous donation is helping children who need it most.”

About Egg Farmers of Ontario: Egg Farmers of Ontario is a non-profit organization that represents the over 500 egg and pullet farm families across Ontario. It is an independent, self-governing organization funded entirely by egg and pullet farmers.

About Student Nutrition Ontario: Student Nutrition Ontario exists to nourish students across the province. We are a network of 14 not-for-profits that support over 1,000,000 students aged 3-18, who receive healthy meals at school. We support their success by offering nutritious foods; teaching healthy eating habits and building supportive communities. We believe that every child deserves equal opportunity and must begin their day nourished – a foundation for success. With the support of 39 community partners, and over 56,000 dedicated volunteers, we are addressing student hunger in Ontario.

For additional information contact:

Donna Lange Director of Public Affairs | Egg Farmers of Ontario 905-858-9790 | dlange@getcracking.ca

Nicola Lyle Director of Administrative Services | Peterborough Child & Family Centres 705-748-9144 | nicola.lyle@ptbocfc.ca