‘Fresh from the Farm’ Healthy Fundraiser Raises Thousands for Local Schools
Written by admin, November 26, 2015
November 26, 2015 – Ontario Grown Food Helps Five Local Schools Raise Funds
Skids of Ontario root vegetables and apples are arriving at five local schools this week, thanks to the ‘Fresh from the Farm’ fundraiser. This afternoon, Edmison Heights Public School’s parent and student volunteers helped pack the Ontario potatoes, onions, carrots, sweet potatoes and apples for families to pick up later today.
“Our students raised almost $2,500 for our school’s Breakfast Program,” says Sheila Bourgeois, one of the parent organizers. “Fundraising using healthy Ontario grown food makes sense.”
Rather than selling chocolate bars, cookie dough or fudge, schools have the option to raise money with nutritious Ontario produce. “Vegetables and fruit are something we all use, and research shows us that almost 2/3 of us in Peterborough need to eat more,” explained Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health. “It’s a great way to show our children that we value their health.”
This fundraiser also aligns with both public and separate school boards’ Nutrition Policies. “Selling good food reinforces the healthy eating messages our students are learning here at school,” said Glen Payne, Principal at Edmison Heights. “It shows a commitment to our students’ health and well-being.”
St. Alphonsus, St. Joseph, St. Teresa, and St. Paul (Lakefield) Catholic Elementary schools are also participating in the ’Fresh from the Farm’ fundraiser. Across Ontario, students sold almost 465,000 lbs of produce this fall. Schools can take part in the ‘Fresh from the Farm’ fundraiser in 2016. To register your school, or for more information, visit www.freshfromfarm.ca.
‘Fresh from the Farm’ is an initiative between the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Dietitians of Canada.
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For further information, please contact:
Luisa Magalhaes, MHSc, RD
Public Health Nutritionist
705-743-1000, ext. 233