Northumberland Food For Thought Kimberly Leadbeater, R.D. Public Health Dietitian

Northumberland Food For Thought is… Non-profit Community partnership Representation by: Public Health School Boards Municipality Food Industry Community Agencies

What we do Help schools start or maintain a Student Nutrition program Provide access to: Funding Community volunteers Food products Information on nutrition, food safety, menu planning Networking opportunities

What are Student Nutrition Programs? Breakfast, morning meals and snack programs Run in school facilities Tailored to meet local needs Universal and non-stigmatizing Participation continues to increase

Local SNPs challenges More students participating every year Current programs under funded compared to need Limited on-site food storage, preparation space, serving space, and equipment Volunteer turnover

Hungry students at school Long bus rides to school Early morning practices Hurried morning routines Child is not hungry first thing in the morning Lack of supervision at mealtime There’s just no food in the cupboards

Benefits of Student Nutrition Programs

Hungry students at school

Final Thoughts “When a child’s stomach is empty, everything else is secondary. Before developing a thirst for knowledge and a hunger for learning, one must first satisfy the body’s thirst and hunger.” ~Romeo LeBlanc, Former Governor General of Canada