As years go by we often forget why organizations were formed or why they continue to be a necessity in the community. Nutrition for Learning (NFL) is one of these organizations.
In 2001 the Town of Sundre did a study that showed many children were attending school with no breakfast and often no lunch. Some of these were chronic cases, but most were the result of changes in lifestyles in our community.
The Royal Purple, Greenwood Neighbourhood Place and the Town of Sundre met to address the need identified and eventually formed NFL.
NFL had to first test the feasibility of delivering the snack to such a large number of students, in a short period of time. It was decided the first trial run of delivering the snack would take place at the door as students came out for recess.
NFL members sought out donations to bake muffins and buy milk for all students. They baked the muffins in an approved kitchen and the Elks donated the milk.
Volunteers were outside, not because the school didn't welcome them, but because it was the easiest way to reach all the students at once.
The trial run was successful and NFL aimed at having funds in place to start a three day a week snack program for the following September.
The school received this program with enthusiasm. In a Round Up article, Mr. Tarnozci, the principal of River Valley School, stated that NFL was building a better school community.
He said there were three aspects that impacted students. One was it helped the children focus on learning rather than on an empty stomach. The second aspect was the children experienced behavioural changes that were subtle, but positive. The third way NFL impacted the school was the program promoted citizenship, by volunteers modelling it.
Tim Hortons did offer to help with NFL expenses and donated doughnuts once a month until River Valley School's new kitchen was built. NFL wanted to make sure that the school had a first rate kitchen to use and be used by staff and students.
NFL raised the funds to buy a walk-in cooler, a stove, microwave, dishwasher, freezer and convection ovens. Every baking utensil you would ever need could be found in the kitchen. By the end of 2005, NFL had donated in excess of $42,000 in equipment for the new kitchen.
The intention of the program was to fill the void when breakfast was missed, give the children new ideas on good snacks and allow all the children to socialize and share the same snack.
The founders of NFL experienced a great deal of joy and had a lot of fun working towards the success of this organization. They were welcomed into the school by administration, teachers and students. There is a history of cooperation and team building between the two groups.
The importance of this group in the community was reflected in the overwhelming donations made from the community and awards from outside agencies recognizing the success of NFL. What was started in 2001 still requires the support of the community today.
Respectfully past board members of NFL:
Doris McNaughton, Dot Johnson, Karen Leacock, Debbie Lausen and Gale Henderson
