Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Student Nutrition Programs so important?
Children who have not eaten have difficulty concentrating in school. Hungry children are easily distracted, lethargic, and as a result, often cause disruptions in class. Teachers consistently note that Student Nutrition Programs improve students' ability to pay attention, concentrate of their lessons, exhibit good behaviour, and attend classes more often.

Are only children from low-income families allowed to participate?
No. All children are welcome at our table, no questions asked. Hungry children are not necessarily poor children -- the problem of coming to school hungry crosses all socio-economic groups. Our goal is to ensure that all children attend school well nourished and ready to learn.

Why are children not eating before coming to school? Why don't they take nutritious snacks and lunch from home?
There are many reasons why children participate in nutrition programs at school, including: they take the school bus and don't have time to eat breakfast; fresh fruit and veggies aren't available at home on a regular basis; they like the social aspects of eating with their friends; family finances are tight; both parents are working outside the home and don't always have time to prepare a nutritious snack or lunch.

What kind of food is served?
Depending on the type of meal and time of day, the menu varies. A breakfast might include apples, bananas, 100% juice, cereal, toast, bagels, pancakes, muffins, cheese slices, milk and yogurt. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Who is involved?
Programs are run by volunteers - often parents, school staff and members of local service organizations. Each program has a program leader, paid on an honourarium basis to develop a committee who shares the responsibility for scheduling, setting menus, and maintaining a local program. As well, programs often receive support from businesses and/or community groups who sponsor programs and donate products to off-set costs.

How many Student Nutrition Programs are there in Central Eastern Ontario, and how many children attend?
There are currently 607 active nutrition programs operating in the Central East Region, serving 80,621 children.

Why do local Student Nutrition Programs each have their own name (Food for Thought, Food for Kids, etc.)?
Though Student Nutrition Programs are run throughout Ontario, each region forms its own local steering committee, builds its own community partnerships, and develops its own name - often involving parents, school staff and students in the process.

What is the cost per child of breakfast/snack/lunch?
The cost of providing a nutritious breakfast to one child, five days a week throughout the school year, is $.85/day or $170/year. The cost of a daily snack (fresh fruit, milk, whole wheat crackers) is about $.55/day per child or $110/year. For lunch, it is approximately $2 or $400/year. These calculations do not take into account in-kind donations of food and supplies, which reduce the cost considerably.

How are Student Nutrition Programs funded?
The provincial Ministry of Children and Youth Services supports local nutrition programs with money to purchase some of the food and other required essentials, while local businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals contribute financial support as well as in-kind donations and volunteer time to plan, support and deliver breakfast, lunch and snack programs.

What should I do if I want to start, sponsor or volunteer with a program?
Contact the Coordinator in your area as listed on our regional Contact Us page.