HARRISTON – The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Food and Friends Program celebrates March 1 as Live Free Day.
Organizers describe the event as “a day to give up something special to you and help support healthy student nutrition for local children and youth.”
In the final week of February, a community celebration is held at one school in each of the regions Food and Friends operates.
The Wellington County Live Free Celebration was held on Feb. 27 at Minto-Clifford Public School in Harriston.
“Every day, in our communities, children are going to school too hungry to learn. Many of these children come from families struggling to make ends meet and at a time when nutritious food is at a premium, it is often a luxury they cannot afford,” the foundation states in a press release.
With the help of teachers, parents and community volunteers, 106 student nutrition programs in Dufferin, Wellington and Guelph serve over 17,000 students, giving every child the opportunity to learn and grow to reach their full potential.
The foundation says studies have shown students who regularly eat morning meals show improved behaviour and focus, leading to better grades and a higher chance for academic success.
The Feb. 27 celebration was sponsored by Ontario Student Nutrition Services. Community leaders and other invited guests gathered for an Impact Meeting at 7:30am followed by a breakfast with teachers, students and the community, raising awareness and fundraising for the local need of healthy student nutrition.
Members of Minto town council and local firefighters were among the celebrity servers.
The Help Kids Live Free From Hunger Campaign raises funds and awareness “so more children have access to the nourishment they need,” the foundation states. Each student nutrition program funded through Food and Friends takes part in the campaign, raising funds in their community to help sustain their own program.
Donations to help kids live free from hunger can be made at livefreecampaign.ca.
“Every donation will have a great impact: $10 provides 11 healthy snacks or feeds five children breakfast,” the foundation notes.
“The foundation of Guelph and Wellington runs four core programs which work together to empower children and youth by connecting families with opportunities to build hope for lifelong change and to break the cycle of poverty.”
