The home economics room at Holy Cross Junior High was busier than usual this morning as the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and representatives from the Kids Eat Smart Foundation and the foundation�s national partner Breakfast for Learning joined students at the school�s Kids Eat Smart Club for breakfast. Breakfast for Learning is in St. John�s to participate in the Atlantic Regional Breakfast for Learning Conference.

Minister Skinner took the opportunity to announce a Provincial Government Budget 2007 commitment of an additional $250,000 for a total of $750,000 in funding support for the work of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation in the upcoming school year. Frankie Kavanagh, a Holy Cross student volunteer, John Neville, chair of the Kids Eat Smart Board, and Daphne LeDrew, executive director for the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, were present to accept the Provincial Government�s contribution from Minister Skinner.

"As an alumnus of Holy Cross Junior High, it is my pleasure to be back at school today and join the children, teachers and members of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation and see the benefits of this program in action," said Minister Skinner. "The Provincial Government, through investments from both my department and the Department of Health and Community Services, has provided increased funding this year to ensure the Kids Eat Smart Clubs operating throughout the province continue their good work in support of the education, health, and wellness of our children and youth."

The Williams Government has committed to a comprehensive health and physical education program in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments include $3.7 million in each of the last two years for the implementation of the Provincial Wellness Plan, which includes new provincial School Food Guidelines. In addition, over $2.4 million has been invested in a new physical education curriculum throughout the K-12 system and state of the art equipment to help students embrace a healthier lifestyle.

"We are beginning to make some real in-roads in raising awareness among students about the importance of living healthy," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "Activities held by the Kids Eat Smart Foundation and other organizations are a wonderful way to make sure that more students have access to nutritious foods. We know the importance of good nutrition to success in school and we welcome all efforts to promote and provide our students with healthy choices."

"Holy Cross Junior High has had a Kids Eat Smart Club for many years, while other schools have just started their Clubs this year. There are now 170 Kids Eat Smart Clubs throughout the province, and the funds from the Provincial Government are a significant portion of Kids Eat Smart grants," said Ms. LeDrew. "The remaining funds required will be raised through Kids Eat Smart Foundation fundraising initiatives, and at the individual Kids Eat Smart Club level."

Lisa Smith Saunders, coordinator and home economics teacher, added, "Breakfast is a really important part of the culture of Holy Cross, and we�re very proud of our Kids Eat Smart Club. Students look forward to breakfast, they volunteer, and they really enjoy the social aspect of eating with friends."

Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador is a registered charity that receives significant financial support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, leading corporate partner Petro-Canada, and national partner Breakfast for Learning as well contributions from other corporate sponsors, fundraisers, and donors.

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2007 06 01                                                    10:20 a.m.