Student nutrition programs influence student learning potential and school performance by providing the proper nutrition they need for positive outcomes.

For over three years I have been a passionate supporter of The Grocery Foundation, a not-for-profit organization started in 1979 by leaders in Canada’s grocery industry. Their funding helps to ensure the 1.1 million school-aged children and youth who face food insecurity in communities across Canada have universal access to proper nutrition through student nutrition programs while at school.

Toonies for Tummies, a two-week campaign [February 9-23, 2017], bringing together the grocery industry, shoppers and the student nutrition community to raise awareness and donations in-store and online. 100% of proceeds raised from #Toonies4Tummies remain in the community in which they’re donated.

Since 2000, with public and industry support, the Toonies for Tummies campaign has raised $14,986,614.

Their goal is to raise $850,000 during this two week campaign. Providing over 1.7 million health snacks and meals in schools across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. 

Student nutrition programs help create a healthy school nutrition environment, they are a cost effective way to promote health and learning among the students. Evidence suggests there is a direct correlation between eating good nutrition and how the students perform at school. Other benefits of student nutrition programs include:

• Provide nutrients and energy so that students are ready to learn and participate in school.
• Have better test scores in math, reading and science.
• Create healthier eating habits.
• Have healthier body weights
• Students miss less school!

Each student nutrition program is unique and a reflection of its community; they are operated in schools and community sites by volunteers and staff.

Look for opportunities to donate in more than 355 Ontario stores including Metro, Food Basics, Longo’s and participating independent grocery stores and markets between February 9th and 23rd, 2017. In western Canada, visit over 150 Save-On-Foods stores. All donations benefitting local student nutrition programs in the communities where the donations were made. You can also give online! 

Let’s all help feed better futures!

Disclaimer: I am the Social Media – Community Manager for The Grocery Foundation. But even when I wasn’t on the payroll, I was involved. You can get involved too! Help us raise awareness by sharing on social using the hashtag #Toonies4Tummies. 

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