By rdnewsNOW staff

Helping Out

Clearview provides $131,000 in nutrition dollars to local food banks

May 8, 2020 | 2:38 PM

Clearview Public Schools is donating unspent nutrition dollars totaling almost $131,000 to local food banks in Coronation, Castor, Stettler and Big Valley.

District officials say the funds are part of Alberta Education’s School Nutrition Program which provides students with access to nutritious food throughout the school year. The dollars donated to the food banks will go to supporting families and children, providing the very basic of needs by feeding those that would otherwise go hungry.

With classrooms closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials note schools are unable to spend their complete allotment for nutrition, so with the support of the Alberta Government, nutrition dollars are anticipated to go to those with the highest needs.

“Ensuring our students do not go hungry while in-person classes are cancelled is of the utmost importance, said Adriana LaGrange, in a Twitter post. “We are giving non-profits and boards the flexibility to find solutions to provide meals or food for students as they learn at home.”

Officials say the goals of the nutrition program include the education of youth with respect to the importance of reading food labels, the choice and preparation of healthy food, and how to access Alberta’s food resources.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

8h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

13h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

14h ago

The nutrition program also is to provide students in school jurisdictions across Alberta with a daily nutritious meal that adheres to the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth.

Schools follow the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth and provide food choices from the “Choose Most Often” category.

District officials express their appreciation that Alberta Education has provided the financial resources allowing for what is felt to be a valuable learning opportunity at all schools.

Clearview officials are also expressing gratitude and appreciation for all school nutrition teams who planned and coordinated healthy foods and nutrition education for students and families, and look forward to the continuation of the school nutrition program in the 2020-2021 school year.

Additional nutrition resources and guidelines can be found at:

Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth

Healthy Eating Starts Here