Member Profile: Brant Food for Thought

Well-documented research shows a clear link between good nutrition, improved school performance and better overall health. Undernourished children have lower self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and are absent from school more often. Well-nourished and active children and youth are more likely to be better prepared to learn and maintain their health, as they move into adulthood.

Since 1998, Brant Food For Thought has contributed to a child’s ability to learn by supporting and facilitating Universal Student Nutrition Programs in elementary and secondary schools in Brantford and the County of Brant. We support schools to start or maintain healthy breakfast or snack programs by providing grants for food and equipment, nutrition education resources, volunteer recruitment strategies, volunteer recognition activities, fundraising events, networking opportunities, skills training workshops and public awareness. Brant Food For Thought supports the capacity of 48 school-based nutrition programs and close to 10,000 children and youth to receive a healthy breakfast or snack, 2 to 5 days a week.

In response to COVID-19 and to minimize the risk of virus transmission, Brant Food For Thought developed three models for program delivery this school year.

The Snack Bin Program

The Snack Bin Program helps schools access easy-prep, healthy food options that are delivered directly to school nutrition programs operated by school staff. The Grab ‘N Go Snack Bags Program is a partnership with Tim Horton Onondaga Farms where healthy grab ‘n go snack bags are packed and delivered directly to schools that have no capacity to operate on-site.

Virtual Student Nutrition Boxes / Bulk Foods

Bulk Foods is building the capacity of local food banks and community agencies to provide healthy food boxes to families with school-aged children and youth or bulk quantities of whole, fresh fruits, vegetables and high quality dairy products.

For more information about these programs and services, visit our website at www. brantfoodforthought.ca. Like us on Facebook (BrantFoodForThought) or follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @BrantFFT.