Quantify Numbers that matter
Canada: One of the few industrialized countries that does not provide a school lunch program
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UPFRONT
Soroptimists help hungry families, local restaurants
of kids’ calories are from foods not recommended by Canada’s Food Guide of high school students do not eat a healthy breakfast before school
Source: Food Secure Canada
France
They’re not so much cafeterias as they are school restaurants. France has developed strong nutrition standards for its school lunch program, with local governments and parents showing wide support. In the city of Bordeaux, for example, fresh bread is served each day just a few hours after it comes out of the oven, all school year long. Nearly half the food in the region is organic and 70 per cent of the vegetables come from the immediate region, according to food blogger Tom Conrad. Meals are based on ingredients like organic chicken,
lamb that is traceable to the farm where it was raised, certified Atlantic salmon, seasonal vegetables, organic fruit and dairy from the region and traditional cheeses. It’s not confined to one region either. Even in the poorest neighbourhood of Paris, school meals include dishes like veal, salmon and organic vegetables — all paid for
by the government.
French fries? Only once every few weeks.
Members of Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes know the struggles that businesses and individuals are facing today. That’s why they are sponsoring a program that benefits three groups of people: you, local restaurants and women and children in need. As a donor, you will receive a charitable receipt when you support “A Meal on Us.” Just name a restaurant within Kawartha Lakes that you want to support, and the Soroptimists will purchase gift cards or gift certificates, using 100 per cent of your donation. Those gift cards will then be distributed to women and their families through your local food bank. Restaurants benefit from needed cash flow, and families who are struggling will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal without worrying about the cost of food, an opportunity that they would not otherwise have. To stand behind their mission of helping women and girls, the Soroptimist club will match donations to a total of $2,000 — making your money go twice as far — and and helping more restaurants and serving more women. Donations can be made by e-transferring to the treasurer@sikawarthalakes.org, or mailing a cheque to SIKL, P.O. Box 365, Lindsay ON K9V 4S3. Be sure to include your name and address to receive your charitable receipt, and the name of the restaurant. A $20 minimum donation is required for receipt. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of Soroptimist globally, and ten years for the Kawartha Lakes club — making a difference in our community!
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