End of An Era
Northumberland Food for Thought Coordinator Beth Kolisnyk (third from left)
recently accepted a cheque for $1,053 from organizers of last fall’s 100-Mile Diet Event in Grafton.
Presenting the donation are: (from left) Christine Hammond, Sharron MacDonald, Bev Silk, Olivia Gibbs,
and John Wilson. Absent from the photo is organizer David Lander.
100-Mile Diet Event Organizers Ensure – Once Again – That Local Students Enjoy a Taste of Home –
Organizers of an event that celebrates and showcases local food are leaving behind quite a legacy, one that has ensured many area students live apple-y ever after.
Members of St. Andrew’s United Church in Grafton recently held the 100-Mile Diet Event, donating $1,053 in proceeds from it to Northumberland Food For Thought (NFFT). Since the 100-Mile Diet Event was started 11 years ago, more than $11,000 raised has been donated to NFFT to support its work to coordinate Student Nutrition Programs at schools in Northumberland County. The funds have regularly gone towards the purchase of locally-grown apples to feed students in schools.
However, this latest donation to NFFT will also be the last, as event organizers confirm the Fall 2018 edition of the 100-Mile Diet event will also be the finale organized by St. Andrew’s.
“Over the years, buying local apples has been a very fitting use for the funds, given that the 100-Mile Diet Event has encouraged people to buy and enjoy food that is close to home,” says Beth Kolisnyk, the Community Development Coordinator with Northumberland Food For Thought. “While it’s sad to see the 100-Mile Diet Event end, we are so appreciative of all the time and effort organizers have put in to help ensure local students eat, learn and succeed in school.”
Bev Silk, one of the 100-Mile Diet Event organizers, is pleased at what’s been accomplished over 11 years to support local farmers and growers, as well as ensure students have the food they need to learn to their full potential. “We’re very proud that the money raised from an event that promotes Northumberland-grown food has been used to purchase fresh apples for the classroom, giving students a true taste of home,” she says. “It fits into the spirit of what we have tried to accomplish with the 100-Mile Diet Event.”
NFFT is the non-profit partnership that supports Student Nutrition Programs at schools across the region. Some programs offer a full sit-down breakfast before class starts, while others consist of snack bins delivered to classrooms. These programs are free, voluntary, and play an important role in helping ensure students aren’t distracted by hunger and can learn in the classroom to their full potential.
Along with the support of residents, businesses and organizations, local Student Nutrition Programs also receive financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through its lead local agency, the Peterborough Child and Family Centres. For more information or to support/volunteer with Northumberland Food For Thought, visit http://www.northumberlandfoodforthought.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love