Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced that the provincial government will be spending $1.4 million to extend the Home Nutrition and Learning Program until the end of the year.
The program started in June of 2020 with an initial commitment of $2.5 million from the province and is currently providing breakfast boxes to about 2100 children. Participating families receive packages of healthy foods, along with recipes and learning activities developed by the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba.
“We are continuing to work with our partners across the province to deliver breakfast packages to thousands of children who might otherwise experience food disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stefanson. “An extended pilot project will also provide us with more information for an evaluation to help us determine next steps. The online resources developed for the Home Nutrition and Learning Program continue to be available to all families, filled with child-friendly recipes and fun, educational activities.”
The program is delivered by Andrews Street Family Centre Inc. and Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc. in Winnipeg, Samaritan House in Brandon, Cross Lake Community Council in partnership with Food Matters Manitoba in the community of Cross Lake, and Bayline Regional Round Table in Thicket Portage, Pikwitonei, Ilford/War Lake and Wabowden.
“The response from families receiving breakfast boxes through the Home Nutrition and Learning Program has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Diane Redsky, executive director, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. “Families impacted by the disruption of school-based breakfast programs have expressed relief and gratitude at being able to access proper child nutrition at a time when access is limited.”
© News4.ca 2020
