Windsor, ON – The West Windsor School lunch pilot has been in full swing since September and is expected to deliver over 35,000 free lunches to West Windsor students with funding provided through the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.
Every Wednesday, United Way volunteers pack and deliver hot lunches to over 400 students at General Brock and nearly 500 students at St. James school every Thursday.
Windsor-Essex does not currently have a comprehensive school program that provides free lunches to students, so this is an exciting opportunity for local students and our entire community.
“Delivering a student a hot lunch does more than feed their body and mind, it shows that they are part of a community that cares and that can have a lasting impact that a child will remember for years to come” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent.
Research shows that when designed appropriately, school lunch programs can have many benefits for students, including increased attendance, grades, health, and well-being.
Weekly lunches in the pilot include a rotating menu of meals featuring chicken and rice dishes, chicken wraps, pasta and a seasonal menu choice. All meals are prepared by local food vendors, often using locally grown produce. United Way believes that school lunch programs have the potential to be a powerful source of innovation for local community and economic development that can have added value for neighbourhoods such as Sandwich Town and West Windsor.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this pilot and to continue to improve access to school meals for every child and youth in Windsor-Essex County”. -Vicki Houston, Director of Education, Greater Essex County District School Board.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge team is proud to support the West Windsor School Lunch program. Based on community consultation, we know food security is a concern for many and we have made it a priority for the project’s Community Benefits Plan. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have for students and their families in the Sandwich community.”– Stephanie Campeau, Associate Vice President, Stakeholder and Community Relations, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Media Contact:
Greater Essex County District School Board
Anita Gilliam (she/her)
Communications Officer, Greater Essex County District School Board
M: 519-890-3174
O: 519-255-3200 ext. 10389
Media Contact:
Gordie Howe International Bridge Media Relations Team 226-757-1716
Media Contact United Way:
Dina Misur, Interim VP Brand Experience
dmisur@weareunited.com | W: 519-259-6190 | M : 519-567-8735