News - Reid's Dairy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2003

Reid’s Dairy donation creates a merry sensation
A new partnership between FOOD FOR LEARNING, Reid’s Dairy and Cooney Dairy Delivery will help children be better prepared to face their academic day. Beginning October 14th, Reid’s Dairy will supply milk and juice to 19 FOOD FOR LEARNING breakfast programs.

Through this substantial in-kind donation, Reid’s Dairy will be the sole provider of milk and juice to several breakfast programs in Hastings and Prince Edward counties. What this means is that children who may otherwise go without milk or juice in the morning will have access to it—free of charge—when they get to school.

“We are thrilled to have Reid’s Dairy as a partner in FOOD FOR LEARNING. This partnership represents considerable support for our breakfast programs. Reid’s Dairy donation makes it possible for many schools to offer milk and juice to children who need it to help them start their school day,” remarks Maribeth deSnoo, Executive Director of the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation.

Details of the partnership
Reid’s Dairy will cover the cost of the milk and juice, and delivery to schools that currently run breakfast programs and have regular delivery of Reid’s products. Reid’s Dairy Delivery or Cooney Dairy Delivery will deliver the milk and juice each week. By providing delivery, the products can be monitored for quality and rotated in fridges.

“This is a great opportunity for us to support a worthwhile program,” says Angela Quickert, Public Relations Manager, Reid’s Dairy Company Ltd. “Knowing that we can help children get the milk and juice they need when they get to school is rewarding in itself,” she adds.

The partnership is for the 2003–2004 school year and will be reviewed next summer.

Benefits of FOOD FOR LEARNING school nutrition programs

Allows children to eat with friends in a safe and comfortable environment
Strengthens the school community, as people from different parts of the community come together to ensure the children are well nourished
Teaches children healthy eating habits, as the programs are based on Canada’s Food Guide
Studies show that proper nutrition enhances a child’s ability to learn by increasing attention span, energy levels, self-esteem, social skills and problem solving skills
Provides positive role models

The importance of having FOOD FOR LEARNING in local schools

Many parents commute long distances to work and are forced to leave early in the morning, leaving children to prepare their own breakfast
Some children do not eat breakfast because their parents never do
Some children do not feel like eating when they first wake up, but are hungry by the time they arrive at school
Some children eat very early, travel a long way on the bus and are ready for a snack before classes start
For some families, there is little food available at home
Many people do no realize the importance of eating a nutritious breakfast
Every day, many children forget their lunch at home and would have no food to sustain them throughout the day

For information, contact:

Maribeth deSnoo, Executive Director, Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation,
(613) 966-1170, ext 2205, or 1 800 267-4350
Angela Quickert, Public Relations Manager, Reid's Dairy Company Ltd., (613) 967-8407