"The Provincial Government is a proud sponsor of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation and supports the belief that good eating equals good thinking," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "In Budget 2007, we expanded this commitment by $250,000, and now provide $750,000 to continue the excellent work of Kids Eat Smart throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The annual province-wide walk to breakfast helps raise funds to continue the work of the Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador. This helps strengthen a child�s opportunity to learn and succeed by providing access to a nutritional meal program at the beginning of each school day.

"Each year, Kids Eat Smart and the Department of Education encourage administrators, teachers, students and parents to take part in the walk. It is a day that serves as a reminder to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and being active," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is placing a renewed focus on healthy living in schools. For example, we have invested $3.2 million for physical education equipment for all K-12 schools, and introduced provincial School Food Guidelines to encourage students to make healthy eating choices. The walk is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the important connection between good nutrition, physical activity and learning."

"During Kids Eat Smart Week, schools throughout the province celebrate their Kids Eat Smart Clubs," said Daphne LeDrew, executive director for Kids Eat Smart Foundation. "The nutrition quiz, special guests, and the Kids Eat Smart province-wide walk to breakfast are all events designed to raise awareness, knowledge or funds that help ensure children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador attend school well-nourished and ready to learn."

The Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador is a registered charity that supports breakfast and snack programs for school children. The foundation helps establish and provides support to child nutrition programs through local clubs run by volunteers in the cafeterias, gyms, and home economic rooms of schools. Last year, close to 17,000 children and youth participated in 170 programs throughout the province.

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