Keeping students fed

Classes may have been suspended in mid-March, but local school divisions are still finding ways to make sure their students have access to healthy and nutritious food, even while they’re away from school.

The Alberta Schools Nutrition Grant, is provided to school divisions to make a daily snack or meal available to K-6 students.

Aspen View Public Schools allocates a portion of its grant money to each of its schools offering K-6 programming, but with classes now cancelled, the school nutrition program is not being delivered.

“During these unprecedented times, we understand that many families face unique challenges and the need for food could be greater than ever. Therefore, Aspen View Public Schools has reallocated its Alberta Schools Nutrition Grant funds to create food hampers, available to any school families that may require one, at no cost,” said communication officer Ross Hunter.

The hampers were made available for the first time last week, with the second round being made available this week. Details will be sent to parents at each of Aspen View’s schools once details are finalized.

Aspen View received $252,000 as part of this year’s nutrition grant and the remainder will go to these hampers.

"It is very important that we continue to support our local community businesses at this time,” Aspen View Public Schools Superintendent Neil O’Shea said. “All schools have been directed to work with local grocery stores to access the products for the hampers locally, as much as possible.”

At Pembina Hills School Division, something similar is happening as far as allocating its remaining grant money.

With nearly $50,000 remaining, funds will be transferred to the Swan Hills Food Bank, the Barrhead Food Bank and Westlock FCSS, which will use the funds to support its Caring for Kids and Families program.