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“Initially this program was begun because of student need. Some students were coming to school hungry but not by choice. The breakfast addressed this need but also addressed needs of our many bus students who did not or could not eat very early in the morning but upon arriving at school were hungry. “ Principal, District 3 There are currently over 200 Kids Eat Smart Clubs operating in Newfoundland and Labrador. Kids Eat Smart Clubs are programs established and supported by Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador. These programs assist the Foundation in spreading their messages of good nutrition throughout the province by exposing kids to nutritious food choices. Kids Eat Smart Clubs operate in schools, community centres, etc across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. They provide kids (ages k-12) with nutritious foods, such as fruit, yogurt, toast, whole grain cereal and other healthy alternatives by serving either breakfast, lunch or snacks during the day. While schools/centres have the option of choosing either a breakfast, lunch or snack program, the majority of our school programs serve breakfast, as we at Kids Eat Smart Foundation believe a good nutritious breakfast provides kids with the best possible start to their day, to live and learn. These clubs are volunteer run, supported by the Foundation and don’t discriminate. They are available to an entire school/centre population despite economic circumstances. Many schools set-up their Kids Eat Smart Clubs in their lunchrooms, home ec rooms or other areas these areas are able to provide the space needed for the food to be set-up and the kids to eat. Most Clubs are a flurry of activity in the morning, seeing kids arrive at the Club for breakfast once school buses arrive, they then eat their breakfast and it is off to class with a full stomach! Kids Eat Smart Foundation provides clubs with:
While Kids Eat Smart Foundation provides funding for Kids Eat Smart Clubs, some fundraising/donations are expected to keep the club running throughout the year. These donations can be in the form of a food donation from parents throughout the year, or, a community member/parent volunteering their time. In order for Kids Eat Smart Clubs to be run effectively and efficiently, we require a Club Coordinator to be responsible for the upkeep and running of the program. This is a volunteer position and is usually someone in the school/centre that believes in nutritious food practices for their school/centre. The Coordinator can be anyone willing to give their time to the club associated with the school/centre. This may sound like a lot of work, however, the Coordinator and Club have the full support of the Foundation regarding volunteer recruitment (to help out) and can address any questions or concerns the Coordinator may have. Many have taken on this role in their schools/centres and find it is a very rewarding experience for all involved. For more information please contact the Program Development Coordinator in your region (contact information available on Staff page) or the main office by phone: 1-877-722-1996 or email.
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