Federal funding for student nutrition programs welcomed by VON

A new federal-provincial deal will support and expand school meal programs in the Sarnia area, and across Southwestern Ontario, but won’t end the need for local fundraising.

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That’s according to VON which leads school nutrition programs in the region.

Under the National School Food Program, the federal government will provide $18.5 million and Ontario $36.2 million in the coming school year to student nutrition.

VON will receive an additional $1.9 million for its school nutrition programs in Southwestern Ontario, including Sarnia and Lambton County, said VON associate vice-president Heather MacArthur.

That is a “significant investment” which “almost doubles” the previous government funding.

“It will certainly alleviate some of the burden that our fundraising teams have felt,” MacArthur said. “Given the economy, donations are down in certain areas so this will certainly offset some of the pressures our teams have been feeling.”

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School nutrition will continue to operate under a “cost-share model” with contributions from government, grants, donors and community partners for programs providing meals and snacks in schools.

“While these new funds are a big and important step, school food programs will still need support from our generous donors and partners to continue,” MacArthur said.

Earlier this year, the VON school food program received $111,000 from Noelle’s Gift. The Sarnia-based charity has provided the program with $461,000 since 2014.

“Currently, we support 46 schools in the Sarnia-Lambton area,” and about 9,700 students, MacArthur said.

VON’s school nutrition program supports 450 schools and about 120,000 youngsters, in Windsor, Chatham-Kent, the London area, Oxford-Elgin, Huron-Perth and Grey-Bruce, as well as Sarnia-Lambton.

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VON is one of 14 agencies leading school nutrition programs in Ontario.

“Our programs are managing increased food costs and growing demand,” MacArthur said. “This agreement will allow more programs to operate at an increased capacity.”

That includes operating more days each week and “even taking some schools off a waitlist,” as well as maintaining current levels for programs faced with significant increases in food costs, MacArthur said.

School nutrition programs support student academic achievements and “increases their likeliness to demonstrate positive behavior and enhances mood and motivation,” MacArthur said.

“It certainly improves student overall physical health and encourages students to choose healthier options at school and at home, especially when we’re introducing foods that kids maybe don’t get at home.”

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