About Food For Thought Lanark County
Our History
March 2001 The North Lanark Community Health Centre agreed to develop a Breakfast for Learning Community Partnership Program. This model was to encourage communities to build on the willingness of schools, local people, organizations and business to ensure that every child attends school well nourished and ready to learn.
A group of forward thinking, action oriented leaders formed the inaugural Food For Thought Steering Committee. We soon learned that many people wanted to help. And so began Food For Thought in Lanark County.
We immediately realized that the support of parents, caregivers, school staff and the community are essential to the success of our student nutrition programs. We realized that nutrition programs would not happen without the commitment of dedicated volunteers. We discovered that one of our greatest assets would be the school site coordinators.
Over the years, Food For Thought has hosted special occasions, organized fundraising events, and celebrated many accomplishments.
Food For Thought is a shining example of how people who care passionately about nourishing children and youth at school can reach a common goal.
With your help, we can continue to work to ensure our children and youth have the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive!
As shown in the graph below, we have experienced a significant growth in the number of programs being offered, the number of meals and snacks being provided to students and the increase of volunteers and the hours that they give to run the programs.
School Year
|
Number of Schools
|
Number of Programs
|
Meals/Snacks Served
|
Number of Students
|
Number of Volunteers
|
Volunteer Hours
|
2001-2002
|
13
|
14
|
49,200
|
93
|
4,600
|
|
2002-2003
|
18
|
21
|
89,519
|
177
|
5,115
|
|
2003-2004
|
22
|
29
|
78,200
|
262
|
6,300
|
|
2004-2005
|
23
|
27
|
74,869
|
234
|
7,000
|
|
2005-2006
|
32
|
45
|
101,149
|
3,264
|
275
|
12,825
|
2006-2007
|
33
|
62
|
290,925
|
5,286
|
283
|
10,000
|
2007-2008
|
35
|
65
|
271,947
|
4,573
|
338
|
8,528
|
2008-2009
|
35
|
69
|
349,003
|
5,474
|
420
|
11,230
|
2009-2010
|
35
|
66
|
291,472
|
5,504
|
432
|
15,597
|
2010-2011
|
35
|
78
|
289,911
|
5,697
|
471
|
9,223
|
2011-2012
|
35
|
72
|
275,261
|
5,584
|
564
|
12,820
|
2012-2013
|
34
|
73
|
308,334
|
5,495
|
526
|
15,627
|
2013-2014
|
35
|
74
|
373,333
|
6,006
|
553
|
14,532
|
2014-2015
|
37
|
82
|
447,382
|
6,296
|
705
|
15,549
|
2015-2016
|
37
|
86
|
462,430
|
6,641
|
681
|
16,524
|
2016-2017
|
37
|
80
|
513,445
|
7,036
|
601
|
18,575
|
2017-2018 | 37 | 75 | 558,329 | NA | 685 | 16, 333 |
2018-2019 | 36 | 71 | 601,294 | NA | 630 | 17,866 |
Total
|
36
|
5,426,003
|
218,244
|
Steering Committee
The Food For Thought Steering Committee provides strategic direction for the Partnership. The committee develops, evaluates and revises program policies; develop and monitor the progress of work plans; and identifies mechanisms for sustainability of the Partnership. The grant review committee is responsible for determining equitable funding allocations to each participating school. The committee ensures all requirements of the Lead Agency are complete.
Food For Thought Steering Committee Membership
Jan Smith (Chair) Retired Teacher, former SNP School Site Coordinator
Matthew Barnabe Grocery Store Owner - Barnabe's Your Independent Grocer
Danielle Labonte Registered Dietitian - Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Public Health Unit
Teresa Clow Senior Public Health Inspector - Leeds, Grenville & Lanark Public Health Unit
Betty Mears Retired Teachers of Ontario - Lanark District, School Site SNP Coordinator
Wendy Quarrington Good Food Bank Coordinator - The Table Community Food Centre
Catherine English Principal, Sacred Heart of Jesus - Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
Dianne Stroud Vice Principal, Drummond Central School -Upper Canada District School Board
Jayanna Wood School Office Administrator, SNP Site Coordinator
Support Personnel (non voting)
Sharon Bjergso Partnership Coordinator
Cherie Hardie Food & Logistics Coordinator, South East Region
WHAT KIDS SAY
"I like that our breakfast program is open to everyone and that it doesn't cost anything."
- Grade 8 Student"I eat before I come to school but I like that our breakfast program gives my classmate's energy."
"It's so much easier to learn when you are not tired and hungry."