Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government is investing more than $2 million to extend the Home Nutrition and Learning Program until the end of August so participating children can continue to be protected through the provision of nutritious breakfast packages, Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“Our government understands that learning is enhanced by healthy foods that fuel children and set them up for success,” said Squires. “This funding will ensure that thousands of children continue to receive nutritious breakfasts to start their days off right and to support their learning goals.”
The Home Nutrition and Learning Program supports families with school-aged children who are experiencing food disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing them with weekly boxes containing nutritious breakfast foods and simple, child-friendly recipes and learning activities.
The new funding builds on the $5.1 million the province has already provided to support the program, which launched in June of last year, and will ensure that participating families continue to receive the packages of healthy foods, recipes and learning activities developed by the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba.
“The extension to the program will keep the food deliveries going to participating families when school is not in session this summer,” said Gordon. “Children of course need nutrition daily, even when they are not in classes. The Home Nutrition and Learning Program allows the provision of food to continue.”
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 Cross Lake and Bayline Regional Round Table.
In February, meal kits were delivered each week to close to 2,500 families with more than 6,400 children. Partners will continue to work with families in their communities to build relationships and to expand the program to those who need it.
Manitobans are encouraged to visit https://mbnutritionlearning.ca/ to learn more about the pilot program and to explore the available resources and learning activities.