A provincially funded program to feed Manitoba school children has been brought forward by NDP Leader Wab Kinew.
However, Premier Brian Pallister says he's not too keen on the idea of publicly funded breakfast programs in schools, and that he would rather address underlying causes of student hunger instead of feeding children.
Locally, the Dauphin Friendship Centre’s privately funded Food For Thought program feeds over 600 children twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Gail Welburn with Dauphin Friendship Centre disagrees with the premier and feels it's essential to ensure children are well fed in the classroom.
“Nutrition is something that we need to be looking at in the schools. Only because a hungry child has a lower capacity for learning, compared to one who is rested and well-nourished.”
Now in its 31st year, the Food For Thought program is available to all children in Dauphin.
“There is no cost for children to register, but we do ask parents to make a donation at some time during the program, to help us offset our costs.”
To donate or register for the program, you can visit the Dauphin Friendship Centre, or call them at (204) 638-5707.
