While our Student Nutrition Programs take a well-deserved summer break, the support of our incredible donors never takes a break, and we are so grateful.
Behind every sliced apple, every toast popped, and every smoothie poured during the school year there's a generous community of individuals and organizations who believe that every child deserves access to healthy food at school.
This summer, we’re shining a light on one of our year-round champions: FirstOntario Credit Union, a local business whose commitment to our mission goes beyond the school year and beyond Halton region supporting Student Nutrition Programs across the regions where they work. Since 2014, FirstOntario has contributed more than $2.6 million to Student Nutrition Programs. Their staff, proudly known as Blue Wave volunteers, have given hundreds of hours to support students across these cities as well, and we love having them out in our programs.
“We know students learn better when they have access to healthy food at school, which is why we are proud to support student nutrition programs and Halton Food for Thought,” said Joanne Battaglia, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Communications & Community Partnership, FirstOntario. “Food insecurity is a serious issue, and we hope our support inspires other community-minded organizations to join us in supporting these agencies in their important work.”
When companies like FirstOntario step-up for student nutrition, it helps ensure our programs can maintain their offerings of nutritious food to students throughout the school year. We are grateful for the continued commitment of FirstOntario and helping us lay the foundations of healthy eating and lifelong benefits for Halton students.
“The Student Nutrition Programs across the Golden Horseshoe, including us in the Halton region, are fortunate to have the support of an organization such as FirstOntario Credit Union,” stated Aliya Khawari, Executive Director of Halton Food for Thought. “From the top of their organization down they believe in the power of these programs going beyond generous financial contributions to also volunteer in these programs. We have staff who come out to support our programs weekly and they are some of the kindest people and are a joy to be around, which in turn makes our programs so welcoming for our students.”
Thank you, FirstOntario and all the partner organizations that support the work on Halton Food for Thought! We would not be able to reach over 96,000 students during the school year without you. To learn more about FirstOntario’s work in the area of Food Security, visit their website.
Did you know? Summer donations help us plan and prepare for the new school year — from planning for our current 157 programs, training volunteers to growing our reach to more schools. Because of our donors, we’re able to hit the ground running each September.
Whether you give once, monthly, or partnered with us through your workplace, your generosity is helping lay the foundation for a strong, nourished start in September.
Together, we're ensuring that students return to school with the energy and nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Want to help students start the school year strong?
Become a Monthly Donor through our Nourishand Flourish Fund to provide support for our programs throughout the year or learn more about Corporate Partnerships and their benefits.
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