Premier, Education Minister announce funding for School Meal Programs

The provincial government has allocated $1 million endowment funding to the School Children�s Food Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, an organization which provides breakfast, lunch and snacks to school children across the province through community-based meal programs operated in schools and community centres.

"I am delighted to announce further government support of school nutrition programs in our province,"said Premier Brian Tobin, today. "This is in addition to the $1 million endowment funding provided to the School Children�s Food Foundation in 1998. The enhancement of social programming is a priority for this government. I am especially pleased that this money has the dual effect of alleviating hunger and benefiting education. The SCFF works to provide nutritious meals for school children who might otherwise go without and removing hunger from the equation means a child is better able to focus on his or her studies � and therefore take full advantage of his or her educational opportunities."

"Nutrition plays a vital role in a child�s development and studies show that a nutritious diet early in life means fewer health problems later on," added Education Minister Judy Foote. "Children with empty stomachs cannot concentrate on their schoolwork and have difficulty participating in class. Their grades and attendance can suffer. I am very pleased to be working with the School Children�s Food Foundation to help ensure that hunger is not an obstacle in the path of our children�s education."

"The School Children's Food Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador is grateful for this additional boost to our endowment fund," said Foundation Chair Scott Worsfold. "The need for food programs in our schools is increasing and this funding will enhance our ability to work with community groups and volunteers to ensure that nutritious meals or snacks are available to more hungry school-aged children. There are now 87 active programs throughout the province being assisted by the foundation. We hope to expand that number in the future and government's commitment today will go a long way to helping us achieve our goals."

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2000 03 09                                                 9:30 a.m.