We all know how hard it is to concentrate when we’re hungry.  So imagine facing the challenges of school on an empty stomach.

For some students right here in Guelph and Wellington, this is their every day. 

The Food and Friends program, funded by your United Way, is working to change this.  Food and Friends offers 71 breakfast and snack programs in schools across Wellington County and the City of Guelph. All the programs run with the support of community volunteers.

Arthur Public School is one of the participating locations.  The school offers a nutritious snack program three times per week. With the help of amazing parent volunteers, all students have the opportunity to access healthy food.

While some kids need the support because of economic challenges at home, others are just “growing like weeds” and hungry to match.  It doesn’t matter why the kids are hungry – no one is ever turned away.

Kathy Soule is the vice-principal at Arthur Public School, and coordinates the Food and Friends program.  Since the program started, Kathy’s noticed that:

• the children are more aware about healthy eating following Canada’s Food Guide;
• they will try healthy options that their parents say they refuse to eat at home;
• in some cases, negative behaviours have been reduced; and
• in general, providing healthy food helps kids to attend class ready to learn.

“This is a wonderful program,” says Kathy.  “It is really important for our students. We wish we could offer it more often.”

Click here for a VIDEO about Food and Friends.