ADSB's nutrition program gets boost from Steelworkers union

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
*************************
Algoma District School Board (ADSB) Chair Jennifer Sarlo along with Director of Education Lucia Reece accepted a generous donation from United Steelworkers (USW) Local 2251 at the Oct. 27 regular board meeting.

In a socially distanced presentation at the Board meeting, Mike Da Prat, President of USW Local 2251, and Debbie Logan donated $12,500 to the ADSB Student Nutrition Program to support schools locally and throughout the district for the 2020/2021 school year. To date, USW Local 2251 has donated $57,000 to Algoma District School Board’s Student Nutrition and Breakfast Programs.

Food programs offer school-age children and youth nutritious options, typically at breakfast and/or as snacks at different times during the day.

The donation from USW will go a long way to support the purchase of fresh fruit, milk, yogurt, cereals and other healthy options which are much needed by some students who arrive at school without breakfast or snacks for the day.

Now more than ever, food programs are important for children and youth in our schools and with enhanced safety measures for the delivery of food to students, these programs continue and are being utilized by students in almost all ADSB elementary and secondary schools.

Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems, and their ability to learn is enhanced.

Director Reece took the opportunity to also thank area school bus drivers and ADSB staff members who delivered over 500 food boxes to families each week, throughout the district, during school closures in the spring and early summer due to the pandemic.

ADSB Chair Jennifer Sarlo thanked Mike, Debbie and the USW on behalf of the Board. “This donation from the USW Local 2251 will have a positive impact on a very present need in our schools. We wish to thank you very much for this generous donation.”

*************************