Foundation for Education Perth Huron

For Immediate release
February 3, 2020

Foundation for Education and United Way forge new Partnership to help vulnerable students struggling with food security

Through its Caring Fund, the Foundation for Education Perth Huron in partnership with United Way Perth-Huron and their Urgent Needs Fund recently launched a program in the Avon Maitland District School Board to address food insecurity for students and their families.

As the pandemic continues, educators are sharing increased concerns for student health and well-being as families struggle with loss of income and an unknown future. Ordinarily school councils – with both the educators and community volunteers here in Huron and Perth Counties – have served to provide Nutrition Programs to ensure that every child arrives in class well-nourished and ready to learn.

Although this year Student Nutrition Programs are overburdened with rising costs and increased need when the students are attending class at school, there is evidence that students learning from home are not receiving the nourishment they need to learn and succeed.

Inadequate access to food due to financial constraints is a serious problem. Shared in communities right across Canada, it is negatively impacting physical, mental and social health. Children experiencing hunger do not have the energy to focus. Malnutrition may also tamper with memory as well as sleeping patterns, making a child too tired to learn.

To help, Avon Maitland educators are quietly identifying families who may be in need of grocery assistance. The Foundation and United Way hope this assistance will reach families who are struggling but are not currently receiving adequate help or other services.

The Foundation for Education’s Caring Fund was launched in 2020 to address student emergency needs. The needs have never been more stark. Your donation now is critical so school leadership can access emergency food support for our students and their families. Visit www.foundationforeducation.ca for more information on the Caring Fund.

United Way Perth-Huron’s Urgent Needs Fund was launched in May of 2020 and has already helped ease the burden of over 665 people across Perth-Huron. The fund is designed to support local residents in a time of crisis with funds for essentials like rent, groceries and medication; keeping those in need from slipping deeper into poverty, shame and despair. To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867, mail to 32 Erie Street, Stratford, ON N5A 2M4 or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca

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For immediate release
Contact: Karen Stewart
Interim Executive Director
519-441-7629

For 30 years the Foundation for Education has provided outstanding enrichment opportunities for local Huron and Perth students through a wide variety of arts and life skill-based workshops that demonstrate creativity, innovation, empowerment, equity and inclusion.

Now, through the newly formed Caring Fund, the Foundation has expanded its focus to build a trust that provides support to students who lack access to basic necessities. In the midst of a world-wide pandemic, local educators and support staff are managing unprecedented demands as they work to meet the needs of the curriculum while juggling food insecurity and student well-being on a reduced budget. These folks need our help.

Support Your School Campaigns

Aid for Vulnerable Students Struggling with Food Insecurity

The Caring Fund & Pandemic Priorities