Food & Friends

 

 

Food & Friends is bringing healthy food to hungry minds.

Breakfast, morning meals, snack and lunch programs offered throughout Dufferin, Wellington County and Guelph elementary and secondary schools provide an atmosphere of social inclusion amongst students who may otherwise feel marginalized. Students have decreased disruptive behaviours in the classroom, learn healthy eating habits and build strong social skills.

 

 

 

Why Does Food & Friends Exist?

Many children go to school unprepared to learn. They have not had the right nourishment, which makes it difficult to focus. Numerous studies have shown that children who are hungry do not perform as well as others in school. Our programs help children reach their potential.

we support vulnerable children and youth by

  • applying for grants on behalf of student nutrition programs
  • ensuring criteria and reporting requirements for grants are fulfilled as programs are delivered
  • assisting individual programs with their local fundraising efforts
  • recruiting and training volunteers to ensure appropriate food menu planning and safe food handling
  • providing continuity and assistance in the administration of programs
  • organizing forums to promote best practices to enable continuous improvement
  • maintaining quality assurance regarding guidelines and standards recommended by the ministry and national charities that provide funding for school-based nutrition programs

How We Make a Difference

  • Provide children with a positive start to the day
  • Improve their learning abilities
  • Decrease disruptive behaviours in the classroom
  • Encourage positive social skills
  • Teach children healthy eating habits

 2017 Facts

  • 104 student nutrition programs served over 17,600 students.
  • 2,274,000 meals were served including breakfast, morning meals, snacks and lunches.
  • 940 adult and 1395 student volunteers offered 42,985 hours of their time.
  • $1.45 provides and elementary school breakfast and $0.90 provides a healthy snack.

Program Partners

Our community partners include agencies, organizations and private sector companies who support us in our mission, principals, and beliefs.

mcys

Funded in part by the Ministry of

Children and Youth Services

 Tim Hortons BCC 2014

 

YMCA logo

 

Administered regionally by the

YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo

 Hendrix gf

 

 

                                     

 

"I just wanted to say that the morning meal program has been so wonderful for us. To be given fresh veggies and fruit washed cut has been such a help. Feels really good to be part of such a great nutritious program. Really makes me feel cared about and important. Thank you." Parent