FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2002

September is Breakfast for Learning Month
Good nutrition = good learning
Eat right. Be Bright! is the theme for BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING Month, now in its fifth year. As recognition of the link between good nutrition and better learning increases, so does our shared desire to help kids learn, grow and thrive. While good nutrition begins at home, it also continues in the school.

In recognition of the fact that good nutrition positively affects a child's ability to learn, The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board sponsors the Food for Learning Committee made up of Board staff, community partners and volunteers. Kellie Brace, Food for Learning Coordinator says, "Making sure kids eat a healthy breakfast or lunch at school gives them a smart start in life. Last year 40 of 46 elementary schools in our district hosted a variety of nutrition programs and we're aiming for 100% participation this year."

Breakfast and snack baskets are made available to students who need a nutrition break. "Our programs fed about 3,900 students each day last year," says Marg Thompson, Committee Chairperson. "Teams of dedicated volunteers including teachers, educational assistants, parents, senior citizen and church groups, and secondary school students pitch in to make it all possible," she adds.

Donations from the newly-incorporated Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation have helped further the mission of the Breakfast for Learning Program. Although schools usually purchase their own supplies, bulk donations of food are used to supplement school needs. Cash donations are welcomed, and receipts can be issued.

Quick facts about our Food for Learning Program
• Provides a source of daily nutrition to students who are in need of a supplement to their daily diet.
• Strives at all times to ensure the dignity of students who access the program.
• Is hosted in almost all elementary schools within the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
• Feeds nutritious meals or snacks to approximately 3,900 students each day.
• Costs approximately $0.85 per child per day for a healthy breakfast.
• Find out more on our Food for Learning Program.
• Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has 54 schools, over 18,900 students, and covers a wide geographical area from Quinte West to the west, Bancroft to the north, Prince Edward County to the south, and Deseronto to the east.

Quick facts about the BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING, Canadian Living Foundation
• BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING, Canadian Living Foundation, was formed in 1992 to address the nutritional needs of children across Canada. It is the only national, non-profit organization solely dedicated to supporting child nutrition programs in Canada. Last year alone, BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING, Canadian Living Foundation, helped nourish over 195,000 children by providing funding for breakfast, snack or lunch programs in over 1,800 communities while supporting the dedicated efforts of more than 30,000 volunteers across the country.
• For more information, visit Breakfast for Learning.

For information contact:
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board, 966-9491
• Kellie Brace, Food for Learning Coordinator, x2232
• Marg Thompson, Elementary Coordinator, x2308
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, x2354