If York River Public School students have full stomachs, they’ll have full hearts and be ready for learning every day.
That’s among the messages shared by staff at the Bancroft elementary school, who continuously recruit volunteers and donations for its breakfast program.
Each school day, volunteers serve about 120 children, in Grades Kindergarten to 6, just before the 8:45 a.m. bell.
Vice-Principal Taras Humen says the nutrition students receive is great, but that’s not the only reason why the program is important.
“Coming together, experiencing a meal together, served by community volunteers, helps our students realize that our community cares for them,” he says, shortly after two Bancroft OPP officers finished serving a pancake breakfast.
“For some of our students, that’s far more important than for others. I think kids leave the breakfast table here feeling loved and cared for. And that sets them up wonderfully for the rest of the day.
While the breakfast program receives funding from Food for Learning, the school needs additional donations of money and food items to keep the program going. New volunteers are also welcome. Those interested can call the school, at 613-332-1833.
