Three young students eating lunch. (Photo by Amanda Mills from Pixnio)Three young students eating lunch. (Photo by Amanda Mills from Pixnio)
Sarnia

LKDSB director unsure about proposed provincial food program

The head of the Lambton Kent school board (LKDSB) isn't sure that the best way to address food insecurity in schools is through a full provincial program.

Earlier this month, advocacy groups, teachers’ unions and food banks called on the province to provide a free breakfast and lunch programs at schools.

LKDSB Director of Education John Howitt said he certainly appreciates that the topic of food insecurity is being discussed at a provincial level as it is a legitimate concern.

"I haven't landed on whether I'm in support of a full provincial designated program, or continued or enhanced provincial funding to permit the school communities to customize the program that best meets their students' needs," said Howitt. "I try to balance between the schools knowing what works for their community and their situation, versus a blanket process or program for the entire province."

The Ontario Student Nutrition Program in Sarnia-Lambton is projected to provide over 1.65 millions meals and snacks to students in need during the 2022-23 school year. The service said nearly 9,700 students across 43 area schools will benefit from the program. In Chatham-Kent 9,799 students at 36 schools will receive just over 1.73 million meals and snacks through the program.

Howitt said the program varies from school to school.

"The key being that food is available for students. Sometimes it's in a snack format, sometimes it's a little more formalized and is available from the start of the day or through the day," he said. "Our school offices are also always aware and have food on hand in case a lunch doesn't make it to school or those kinds of things."

Howitt added that the board absolutely knows that food insecurities do exist within their school communities.

"And it is far more spread out and in schools that you wouldn't always think of as well. Food insecurity is definitely an issue for our students which is why we have nutrition programs to support those students," he said. "It's there and available for all, without judgement so that there's safety in taking the food and a student doesn't feel centered out because they may be in need of a snack."

Howitt said one key area for any program is volunteers, and that without volunteers, the food program would not be possible.

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