Nearly 200 local students took part in the annual ‘Great Big Crunch’ initiative.
The event, which locally was celebrated at Kenner Intermediate School on Thursday, highlights the need for sustainably funded school food programs across Canada.
“Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program.” says Luisa Magalhaes, Registered Dietitian with Peterborough Public Health and a member of Food for Kids. “With the high cost of food, federal funding would help make local programs even better.”
In total, 180 people chomped Ontario grown apples in sync with students all around Canada.
“Our school’s nutrition program brings smiles to students’ faces and helps them have a better day of learning,” says Tania Lamond, principal at the school. “Access to nourishing food at school, like cheese, vegetables and fruit and whole grains, contributes to our students’ well-being. This year marks twenty years that our vibrant nutrition program has welcomed all students with nourishing food at school.”
A special shoutout was given for those who volunteer to help run local programs, as well as donors which include: the United Way Peterborough & District, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Show Kids you Care, Kawartha Credit Union, Kawartha Food Share, Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains, Sysco, Darling Insurance.

