The Brantford Blast organization has once again generously provided the opportunity to showcase Brant Food For Thought at their Culligan Brantford game tonight against the Hamilton Steelhawks, Friday December 9, 2016 at the Brantford and District Civic Centre. Doors open at 6:30 pm, the game starts at 7:30 pm. Our thanks to owner Peter Ham and the whole Blast family for generously inviting our program volunteers to attend the game as their guests and providing this opportunity to showcase our newest initiative in community schools.
We are excited to launch our newest nutrition initiative, the School Fresh Produce Box Program, an innovative approach to ensuring children and youth have access at school to fresh fruits and vegetables, as part of their student nutrition program. Visit our display and be sure to get a “fresh from Brantwood Farms” and nutritious apple to snack on. Meet our special “fruit and veggie friends” on hand to greet the kids, young and old alike!
The School Fresh Produce Box Program is made possible in part by generous funding from the City of Brantford, FirstOntario Credit Union, administered regionally by Haldimand Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. , the Brant County Health Unit and the Brant United Way. Brant Food For Thought is working with local supplier, Forte Produce, to ensure delivery of the boxes of fresh produce directly to the school nutrition programs.
One of our core values is to ensure that children and youth have equitable access to the most nutritious foods possible. Brant Food For Thought believes that providing whole fruits and vegetables will ensure the greatest nutritional benefit possible to children and youth while in school. By supporting their healthy development, we are contributing to their ability to learn in school and are helping students reach their full potential.
There is compelling research evidence which supports health benefits of eating vegetables and fruits at an early age, as a part of a strategy to tackle the increase in childhood obesity.1 A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has consistently been reported to help in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and obesity. Children who report a greater liking to vegetables and fruits are more likely to consume higher intake levels than children who do not like vegetables and fruits. Introducing a variety of vegetables and fruits in the home and at school may be an effective and practical approach to improving vegetable and fruit consumption.2
Since 1998, Brant Food For Thought has supported student nutrition programs in local elementary and secondary schools. This year alone over 450 dedicated volunteers with 53 nutrition programs will provide over 1.2 million healthy snacks and meals to more than 10,000 students in our school communities. For more information, contact Gisèle Budgell, Program Director at (519) 759-6164. Subscribe on our website at www.brantfoodforthought.ca. Like us on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter @BrantFFT.
References
1 Garriguet, D., ( 2006). Nutrition: Findings from the Canadian Community Health Survey, An Overview of Canadians’ Eating Habits, [Catalogue 82-620] Ottawa: 2006.)
2 Heart and Stroke Position Statement, Vegetable and Fruit Consumption, Heart Disease and Stroke, September 2013, online: www.heartandstroke.com/site/pp.aspx?c=ikIQLcMWJtE&b=8782773&printmode=1