A piping hot nutrition program is serving up soup to help local students.
Building on the success of its inaugural year in 2024, the VON Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) will be filling local tummies in its “Soup for School Food” event March 17-21.
The initiative will see a portion of every bowl of soup purchased at participating local restaurants during the week funneled towards supporting school nutrition programs across Chatham-Kent.
According to a recent news release, the project administers and funds nutrition program support to more than 40 schools and 10,000 students in the district. Breakfasts, snacks and sometimes lunches are provided.
Currently one in four Canadian children are at risk of going to school hungry.
OSNP community development co-ordinator Rosanna Waldram, said the OSNP operates on a cost-shared model that includes a portion of funding from the provincial government. The remaining costs are covered through fundraising, grants and donations.
“The generosity and support of our community allows for much-needed programs to continue all school year,” Waldram said. “We know that children can’t learn on an empty stomach.”
Participating restaurants include Mamma Marias, which is providing 631 soup servings to St. Teresa of Calcutta School during the week, Waldram said, for which the organization is grateful.
Also taking part for one day only are The Garden on March 18; Tru’s on March 19; Satellite Restaurant on March 20 and Links of Kent on March 21. Union Block Bakery will take part from March 19-21 and Casa Bella, Korean Fusion, Boston Pizza, Shady Pine, Andy’s Place, Churrascaria and Teena Family Restaurant will take part for the entire week from March 17-21.
For more information email [email protected].
