A Nutrition Program that ensured students at Souris School could reach their potential by providing healthy breakfasts and snacks during the day will expand and reach many more families, as it will be offered at the new Legacy Park Elementary School starting this fall.
Shannon Seitz, program coordinator, is excited that the Nutrition Program will be continued, and that it will provide an universal nutritional program to all the families who will have children attending Legacy Park.
The Nutrition Program is offered free to any family, and is funded by community donations. Seitz noted that they will be eligible for new grants and funding once the program is relocated to Legacy Park, which will be important since there will be a larger number of students who can participate in the program.
Legacy Park Elementary School is the new home for the staff and students who attended Queen Elizabeth, Haig and Souris Schools. Â鶹´«Ã½AVeast Cornerstone Public School Division closed the three schools.
The program has a needs list of items for their program, including the following: jam, chocolate chips, rolled oats, flour, cooking oil, butter, sugar (white and brown), honey, baking soda, eggs, baking powder, along with dried fruit (raisins, Craisins, strawberries, blueberries), frozen fruit (mixed berry, blueberry, strawberry), granola bars (healthy options preferred, not chocolate dipped) and fresh fruit and vegetables like apples, oranges, bananas, pears, cucumbers, celery, carrots and peppers. No food with peanut butter or nuts are allowed as a number of students will be attending who have allergies.
Seitz noted there are a variety of ways where a donor can partner with them, such as with gift cards, cash donations, or a group or business hosting a food drive. If someone wants to put on a food drive, they should contact Seitz at [email protected] to coordinate donations, especially during the summer months.
The Nutrition Program is working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Public Health to develop a menu, and ensure that any health and safety protocols are followed at their new location.