In time for Nutrition Month, Rocky View Schools (RVS) is ramping all food programs in schools back up to full capacity and procedures this March.
“RVS recognizes daily nutrition plays an important role in education,” said Superintendent of Schools, Greg Luterbach. “Healthy eating fuels learning, and our food program, Food For Thought, plays an important role in providing students a nutritious meal or snack at school.
The pandemic limited schools to serving only packaged food. While RVS was glad to be able to offer something to students, it is great to be able to expand to more nutritious options as we promote healthy eating during Nutrition Month.”
Now, Food For Thought programs will be able to operate as they did previously, with no restrictions or limits and an ongoing commitment to health and safety. During March, schools will evaluate and make decisions around volunteer staffing, food preparation, program needs and student participation.
“We continue to see the need for food programs at schools, and that need varies by community,” said Community Partner Program Coordinator, Nikki Demyen. “Many schools tell us their food programs have been fully used throughout the pandemic, and a return to normal practices is welcome.”
Food For Thought is funded through grants, donations and in-kind services from federal, provincial and local groups. RVS has recently received an additional $71,500 federal funding via Breakfast Clubs of Canada, which will be used along with existing funding to purchase food, plan for September needs and purchase small equipment like blenders, griddles, mini-fridges and food processors. RVS will also be canvassing schools to identify any other equipment needs to set up our breakfast programs for sustainable success.
Breakfast programs are just one component of RVS’ food support for students and families. Additionally, RVS receives financial support from the province and partners with local foodbanks and organizations like local grocery stores and bakeries to ensure students have access to healthy food. These supports would not be sustainable without community contributions and volunteerism.
During Nutrition Month, dieticians made available to our schools by Alberta Health will also be promoting healthy eating and providing resources available to anyone who asks. Several resources focused on nutrition are available at nutritionmonth2022.ca.
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