GRANDE PRAIRIE SCHOOLS SNACK PROGRAM

The Mission of the Grande Prairie Schools Snack Program is to relieve child hunger, to improve behaviour and academic performance, to provide nutrition education and to influence healthy lifestyle choices.

Charitable Number:  BN # 10744 6817 RR 0002

Project snapshot

·        Each morning,

350 Kindergarten to grade 6 students and 32 staff at Hillside School,

270 Kindergarten to grade 6 students and 20 staff at Avondale School, and 310 Kindergarten to grade 8 students and 30 staff at St. Clement School receive a healthy mid-morning snack of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat or grain products.

·        Each school population is mid to low income status, some single parent homes, families that are multi-cultural or of aboriginal ancestry (25%).

·        Many children receive early literacy intervention at all three schools. The children identified as candidates for the English as a Second Language Program and the Severe Behavior Emotional and Attitude Disorders Program with the Grande Prairie Public School Board attend Hillside. Those who are identified for the Early Literacy Intervention for 4 year olds with the Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools attend St. Clement School.

·        Parent volunteers and 4 site leaders prepare and distribute the snacks daily.

·        An education component is provided through the teaching of the AB Health Curriculum that focuses on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle. Resources and monthly newsletters produced by Peace Country Health and Alberta Dairy Council and other publishers are used as teaching tools. Parents and staff receive information about a healthy and active lifestyle through publications, newsletters, websites and the Be Fit for Life Program at GPRC. A 3 evening workshop program “Families Eating Wisely” is offered 3 times a year to the parents in these 3 schools.

Project Impact 

It is well documented that children who suffer from food insecurity suffer in their cognitive development and ultimately in their productivity as adults in our community. It may be surprising to believe, but 11% of the population, or 4,180 residents and 14% of all children ages 0-14 are suffering from poverty in Grande Prairie. The grocery budget is more flexible than rent, power and utilities.  Therefore poorer people tend to cut money from their food budget first in a situation of financial distress. Fresh foods cost more so the poor tend to consume cheaper, processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt. This is one of the major causes of obesity and childhood diabetes.

·        By providing the children with a nutritious and healthy selection of food it is our main goal to alleviate the hunger some of the children may be experiencing. Children come to school hungry for a variety of reasons, not all of them financial; parents who leave early for work and are not home to supervise breakfast choices, harried morning routines, early boarding of a bus to school, unwillingness to eat before riding the bus or attending school. If children are hungry they experience difficulty concentrating on the task at hand, may become irritable, lethargic and uncooperative. By providing a mid-morning snack some of these concerns may be decreased. This is a universal program where no child is denied access. Staff report that that the children are learning about the nutritional value of food, how to make healthy food choices, are able to concentrate for longer periods of time and enjoy the new taste experience. Children state that they enjoy the variety of food and know that if they are hungry they will be fed by mid- morning.

·        In addition to feeding the children we recognize the importance of educating them if we want to influence their lifestyle and bring about change. The children are exposed to a variety of foods that reflect the Canada Food Guide. In conjunction with the AB Education Health Curriculum we are teaching the children the importance of eating balanced, nutritious meals as well as the need for physical activity. Staff and families are provided with information from the Alberta Dairy Council, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Peace Country Health and several web sites that provide information on healthy lifestyles. A monthly newsletter is sent home informing parents of the month's menu, upcoming presentations by dieticians and fitness instructors as well menus they can use at home. Parents indicate that they are making changes in the food they purchase and try in their home.

·        We need approximately 8-10 parent volunteers in each school to come in to prepare and deliver the food to the children. As well one salaried employee is needed to purchase and prepare the food, deliver it to each site, supervise the 3 on-site salaried staff and volunteers, prepare the menus and ensure the necessary volunteers are in attendance. There are additional benefits to the children and the school when parents, who for whatever reason, are often reluctant to come into the school are now participating in this particular project.

The initial project was established at St. Clement School in February 2003. We recognize the need for nutritious snacks to alleviate hunger and education about lifestyle choices is needed in many of our schools. However at this time the project will operate in 3 schools that have similar demographics and needs.

Funding

The projected budget for 2008 for the 3 schools is $140,000.00. Parents are invited to donate $5.00/child or $12.00/family (3or more children) on a monthly basis however to date the revenue is limited to approximately 40% of the expected revenue/school. We recognize the need to become self sufficient but at this time we still need to rely on community support to meet the project’s mission. It should be noted that the Government of Alberta unlike the other provincial/territorial governments, does not provide a grant to school districts for feeding programs.  Therefore, school districts and communities in our Province wishing to provide feeding programs for their students must rely on corporate, private and parental contributions to feed the children.

Recognition

Media will be advised of the donation. The school community will be informed of the donation through the monthly newsletter and the donor recognition board in each school. School Council receives a detailed list of the donors and their contributions. Community members of funding groups are welcome to be part of the Celebrity Volunteer Week to help prepare and serve the snacks in each school.

Contacts