Breakfast+program

October 26 Hi gang, I thought I should let you know how the breakfast program at St. Antoine Daniel is running. Our school has a population of about 275 children. Six years ago when I first came to the school I saw a need to nourish these children with food in the school. Children were often coming to school without a lunch or a breakfast. I don't know about you but I can't focus on anything if I am hungry. I addressed the issue to the staff at a meeting and received positive feed back. Breakfast for Learning was contacted and we began receiving the funding almost immediately to run the program three days a week. For the past six years I have continued to run the program with the support from another parent. Innitially the program was offered to children every other day.However, this past spring we noticed more children coming to school with less food. I guess you can say that during economic difficulties it is often the children who suffer first, you just have to keep your eyes wide open for the clues. I spoke to my volunteer parent about running the program everyday. She was willing to continue running the program Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I began running the program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been a great success. The children look forward to the food and always finish what is on the tray. My two children help me on these days also. They are learning that it feels good to do something nice for others. I explained to my children that we don't always have to be on the receiving end to feel great. My daughter Gillian enjoys helping out and preparing the food with me. It is often her who reminds me that we have the breakfast program today! Children are absolutely wonderful! Cheers! Janis