ACF makes donation to local school to support student nutrition program

By Ron Giofu

A local elementary school received a boost to its student nutrition program thanks to the Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF).

École Saint-Jean Baptiste received $7,488 from the ACF for its program, operated under the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP). The cheque presentation occurred last Tuesday afternoon in the Fryer St. school’s gymnasium.

“We tend to lean more towards bricks and mortar projects,” explained ACF president Lori Wightman. “This one fulfills all of our visions and values.”

Among the Amherstburg Community Foundation’s visions and values are making the community a better place to live, helping the community as a whole and helping youth. She added they are looking for more grant applications and are also welcoming people to apply to be on their board of directors.

The values of healthy, inspiring and inclusivity are being met, she added, and it made it an easy choice for the ACF board to grant École Saint-Jean Baptiste the money.

“It ticked all of our boxes,” said Wightman.

Principal Diana Bala said the donation is welcome because the program is making a difference at her school. She said the community is very engaged and the program is paying off as it is furthering a sense of community within the school as well.

“It makes me so happy,” stated Bala. “We can work together and do big things.”

Bala added parent volunteers help administer the healthy snack program, with food distributed to the students including fruit, vegetables, frozen yogurt and other nutritious things for the students to eat.

Parents not only help distribute the food, but they assist in cleaning up and ensuring the French-Catholic elementary school is stocked up properly.

The spinoff benefits to the OSNP program include better grades and increased social activity.

ACF director Paul McAllister indicated he was pleased with what he saw.

“It’s very cool,” said McAllister. “It’s more than just food.”

In all, there are 93 schools in WindsorEssex County involved with the OSNP program. Student nutrition is often a problem if students come from homes where there is food insecurity, but that is not the only reason. Other reasons students become hungry during the day include long bus rides, their own personal growth, and being active at school. Learning improves as does behaviour, OSNP representatives added.

Students assembled at the cheque presentation, dressed in green T-shirts with the slogan “Bien Manger, Bien Grandir” on them, spoke highly of the student nutrition program and its benefits.

“When you have access to food, the students’ behaviour and learning changes,” said OSNP community development co-ordinator Michelle Bonadonna. “I think it’s a great benefit!”

“We would like to say thank you on behalf of all of the students at the school,” said student parliament prime minister Adam LeBlanc, who was joined by deputy prime minister Luke Rusenstrom. LeBlanc added the program not only helps them eat healthy, but it helps the students bond as they get food as well as work together on the program.

Well underway

Construction is underway on the new apartment complex being developed by the Rosati Group and Jones Realty. When complete, the building will be four storeys and have 75 apartments. It is located at 219 Brock St., at the corner of Richmond St.

Crossword Puzzle

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, give yourself permission to move slowly this week. If you’re racing through things, you’re apt to make mistakes. Set your own pace and let things play out as they may.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Deadlines could make for a heated week, Cancer. It’s best to remove yourself from any situations before they get out of hand. Offer advice when things cool down.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Routines are boring you lately, Leo. You may need to shake things up. If you work a set schedule, see if you can go to flex time and look for ways to change.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Do not let drama that doesn’t involve you sneak into your orbit, Virgo. If you need to distance yourself from others for a while, then do so.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, others feel you’re giving off some high-strung vibes this week, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Something is weighing on your shoulders. Figure out what it is and lighten the load.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you’re dishing out all sorts of sage advice but it may be frustrating if others don’t want to take it. All you can do is offer and let others lead their lives.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Things may be a little rough around the edges lately, and you’ll need to figure out the ways to smooth things over, Sagittarius. Find a few friends who are in your corner.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, emphasize a slow and methodical approach to a problem with an elusive solution. Slowing things down has a tendency to provide substantial clarity.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Disagreements on how to move forward could bring tension at home or work this week, Aquarius. Everyone needs to put their ideas on the table and whittle down the best answer.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t compare yourself to others, Pisces; otherwise, you may downplay all of your wonderful attributes. Be proud of who you are.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MAY 21 - Kevin Quinn, Actor (26)

MAY 22 - Daniel Bryan, Wrestler (42)

MAY 23 - James Charles, Instagram star (24)

MAY 24 - Mark Ballas, Dancer (37)

MAY 25 - Brec Bassinger, Actress (24)

MAY 26 - Lenny Kravitz, Singer (59)

MAY 27 - Paul Bettany, Actor (52)

Word Scramble

Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to hamburgers.