Brant Food For Thought would like to thank our many sponsors, dignitaries and guests for joining us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary during Breakfast For Champions. A special thank you to Platinum Title Sponsor, Brant-Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, Gold Sponsor, IG Private Wealth Management Gaudet Group and Silver Sponsor, Grand Erie Elementary Teacher’s Federation. We also acknowledge the support of our many Table Sponsors: Brantford Volkswagen, Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home Limited, FirstOntario Credit Union (funder and honourary table sponsor), Grand Erie District School Board, Laurier Brantford, Millards Chartered Professional Accountants, Onondaga-Brant School Council, OpenLane (event auctioneers) and West Brant Window World. Thank you also to event sponsors Walker’s No Frills, Produce Express and Brantford Blooms Florist.
Town Crier, David McKee, kicked off the morning with a special cry, citing “Food, glorious food”, from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist–and might we add, “Nutritious Food”, that has, in Mr. McKee’s words, “underscored the mission of Brant Food For Thought for the past quarter century.”
Special guest speaker, Shelby Miller, and co-owner of Lettuce Live, a Brantford based health conscious eatery, brought to our attention the reason for our gathering. “This morning we celebrate all of the accomplishments and impact that Brant Food For Thought has had within our community and its investment in our youth today, for a healthy and vibrant community tomorrow.”
Miller went on to share her personal connection to our program. “My experience with the a school food program was actually as a kid in elementary school from grade 3 – 5. It’s something I still remember and can picture in my mind. Bagels, fruit and cheese were my favourite combo.”
She remarked that the nutrition program made an impression that helped to shape her future goals. “It helped to lay foundations in my mind toward the importance of food and the difference in how I felt in my energy and moods on the days that I didn’t have a proper lunch. The program moulded my experiences and interactions with food at a young age.”
Programs supported by Brant Food For Thought are universal and non-stigmatizing, which means that every child can participate, regardless of their socio-economic background. And Miller’s story attests to these core beliefs and how we operate our programs. “It’s not always the obvious kid who needs that extra bit of help. Sometimes it’s the child whose mom is working extra hard, or whose parents may have the money but have no interest in being healthy. Not having access to quality food comes in many forms.”
Miller concluded her address by thanking Brant Food For Thought for their impactful service in the community. “For 25 years Brant Food For Thought has delivered critical services and support to our community. All of the volunteers, staff members and generous supporters are making a tangible difference in our community.”
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