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