Children and Families
Hamilton Partners in Nutrition
You can download the PDF version of the Partners in Nutrition brochure here.
Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and administered regionally through Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H.
The Vision of Hamilton Partners in Nutrition (PIN) is that all children in Hamilton have access to adequate nutrition now and in the future in order to support healthy growth and development, learning and lifelong healthy eating habits.
The purpose of Hamilton Partners in Nutrition is to support and facilitate student nutrition programs in Hamilton.
The following principles guide the partnership’s work:
- Communities have a collective responsibility for children.
- Nutrition is a fundamental determinant of healthy child development.
- Good nutrition enhances a child's ability to learn.
- Collaborative networks are effective in creating self-sustaining programs.
- Communities have an abundance of knowledge, expertise and resources.
- Local ownership through meaningful parent and community involvement is essential for long-term program success.
- Every community is unique and works in different ways.
For further information, please contact the Student Nutrition Program Co-ordinator, Liz Millar at
(905) 522-1148, Ext. 301
partnersinnutrition@sprc.hamilton.on.ca
The Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) has recognized the importance of healthy nutrition in schools and is providing funding to purchase nutritious food.
To apply for funding, complete the appropriate form for financial support for your programs. To obtain the 3rd quarter report/Appendix A (Sept. to Dec. 2006) click on the link below.
If you have an existing student nutrition program click on this link
If you wish to start a student nutrition program click on this link
The application and quarterly report is due December 8, 2006 is due November 2006. Successful applicants can expect to receive funding cheques early in January 2007. Applications can be emailed, faxed or mailed. Contact information is noted in the application package.
The new Ministry Nutrition Guidelines for Student Nutrition Programs are also available on request. PIN will be offering workshops this fall and winter on Safe Food Handling and Menu Planning with the new Nutrition Guidelines. Within the application you will note a section to indicate your intent to attend one or both of these workshops. Through working together, we can support children to make healthy choices that will last them a lifetime!
Breakfast for Learning (BFL) will continue to offer financial and resource support to student nutrition programs. Programs wishing to access this funding may apply directly to Breakfast for Learning. Grant applications and other initiatives are available online at www.breakfastforlearning.ca. Roxanne Dompierre, Regional Manager, can be reached at phone: 613-831-5696 or email: roxanne.dompierre@sympatico.ca
Hamilton Partners in Nutrition looks forward to working with you to support your student nutrition programs.
Hamilton Partners In Nutrition Members:
- Breakfast for Learning
- City of Hamilton Public Health Services
- Hamilton-Niagara Region Student Nutrition Program Management Consortium
- North Hamilton Community Health Centre
- Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
- Parent and Community Volunteers to Student Nutrition Programs throughout Hamilton!
- Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton
- Volunteer Hamilton
Hamilton Partners In Nutrition Corresponding Members:
- Hamilton Food Share
- Hamilton Police Services
- Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
- Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
- Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- The Brick
- United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton
Planning a Program?
Nutrition is an important part of healthy child development. Access to nutritious foods is an essential component of every child’s fundamental right to health and development as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Snack, Breakfast and Lunch Programs …
- Provide children with a positive start to the day
- Improve the learning abilities of children
- Decrease disruptive behaviour in the classroom
- Provide a supportive, all-inclusive and non-judgmental breakfast or snack
- Provide a chance for children to improve social skills
- Provide a nurturing, caring environment for children
- Provide a chance for children to learn healthy eating habits for lifelong healthy development
- Provide volunteer opportunities to show children their community cares
You Can Help By:
- Coordinating or hosting a program
- Volunteering at a program
- Providing donations (food, supplies or financial aid)
- Fundraising
- Becoming a PIN member
We Can Help By:
- Promoting programs to feed children
- Making presentations to parent councils and school staff
- Connecting programs and resources
- Volunteer training
- Assisting with applications for funding
If you are planning a child nutrition program, here are some resources to help:
- The Student Nutrition Program Coordinator, Liz Millar is available to provide hands-on help with program development. She can be reached at 905-522-1148, Ext. 301 e-mail: partnersinnutrition@sprc.hamilton.on.ca
- Breakfast For Learning has recipes, fundraising ideas and promotional material to help child nutrition programs. For more information, call 1-800-627-7922 or visit the website at www.breakfastforlearning.ca.