United Way Ottawa and The Grocery Foundation launch Lunch Box program to feed Ottawa’s most vulnerable children

Monday, December 14, 2009, Ottawa – This morning, United Way Ottawa and The Grocery Foundation announced a new partnership to support Ottawa’s most vulnerable children living in emergency family shelters. Lunch Box is a program that will give children the opportunity to prepare healthy lunches to bring to school and learn about the importance of a nutritious diet.

 “United Way is pleased to work with The Grocery Foundation and other community partners to offer the Lunch Box program to struggling families in Ottawa,” said Peggy Austen, Senior Director, Impact Strategies, United Way. “Homelessness is a devastating experience for families and especially for children. The Lunch Box program will help give them the tools and strength they need to be successful in school — and in life.”

This new program will supply food, preparation tools and supervision through local community health centres and family shelters in Ottawa for the families and children who live there. Although initially rolling out in shelters, the Lunch Box program will expand to community health centres to meet the needs of even more children in our community.

“The Grocery Foundation is committed to providing children in our communities access to high-quality, healthy food, while teaching them valuable lessons about nutrition, which they will carry with them throughout school and into their adult years,” said André Gagné, Vice President, Conventional Merchandising, Metro Ontario Inc. and a member of The Grocery Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Under the supervision of staff trained by dietitians, children will prepare a nutritious lunch for each day of the week. Parents will be invited to participate in the preparation of the lunch menus, offering positive family experiences during trying times.

This partnership between United Way Ottawa and The Grocery Foundation, with support of local community service organizations and schools will ensure that participating children and youth obtain the nutrition they need to nurture their development and increase their engagement in school and learning.

About United Way Ottawa
United Way Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2009, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support nearly 200 projects, programs and partnerships in more than 100 community organizations.

About The Grocery Foundation
The Grocery Foundation was established by a small group of Ontario grocery leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of Ontario’s children who need a hand-up in life. Since its establishment nearly 30 years ago, The Grocery Foundation’s membership has grown to include 67 retail banners, 400 food and grocery product suppliers, and 52 members of the Ontario Food Brokers' Association.

For more information on United Way Ottawa:
Kate Headley, United Way Ottawa
Phone: 613-683-3823 or Cell: 613-294-8128
Email: kheadley@unitedwayottawa.ca
Website: www.unitedwayottawa.ca