At Student Nutrition Ontario-Central East (SNPCE) we work to ensure that children can eat, learn, and succeed. SNPCE is a program housed within our Lead Agency, Peterborough Child & Family Centres (PCFC). PCFC is 1 of 14 Lead Agencies part of the provincial body Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO). We administer funds from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), foundations, charities, and corporate partners. We work in partnership with local committees, school boards, public health units, and food procurement partners to meet that goal.
SNPCE accomplishes this by helping to develop and implement healthy student meal programs in more than 800 schools across Central East Ontario. We give students access to healthy food while at school. We also assist schools and communities to get food into schools that meet Ministry guidelines, is safe, nutritious, and affordable. This food is available to every student, regardless of need.
There are many reasons why children and youth arrive at school without eating breakfast other than household food insecurity. This also includes, but not limited to:
- Early morning extracurricular activities,
- Lack of time in the morning,
- Lack of appetite upon rising,
- Long commutes to school,
- Getting ready on their own in the morning,
- Preferring to eat breakfast with their peers, and/or
- They’re growing and just hungry . . . again!
Student nutrition programs rely on our generous volunteers. Their commitment, dedication, and support are essential to the ongoing operation and success of student nutrition programs. Click here to learn more about volunteering at a school near you!