April 28th, 2023

The Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI) renewed their commitment to funding local organizations that support student nutrition programs. On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, the WEFI Board of Directors passed a motion to provide $30,000 to be distributed equally to our community partners Food4Kids Waterloo Region, the May Court Club of Kitchener-Waterloo and Nutrition for Learning.

“The ongoing  impact of food price inflation impacts the lives of all in Waterloo Region. We are proud, once again, to support the work of these essential organizations and their efforts to address food insecurity,” said jeewan chanicka, president of WEFI. “Thank you to all of those from Food4Kids, the May Court Club and Nutrition for Learning who support our students and their families every day.”

These organizations were each selected to receive an equal portion of this funding. The services they provide to students and their families is instrumental in combating food insecurity in Waterloo Region.

“It is our honour to support the incredible work that Food4Kids, the May Court Club and Nutrition for Learning do in our schools every day,” said Joanne Weston, a member of the WEFI Board of Directors and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB). “Thank you to everyone who chose to Give the Gift of WEFI this past year, and helped us to continue to support these important community organizations.”

What this means for students in our community

Food4Kids, the May Court Club and Nutrition for Learning will be able to continue supplying students with direct nutritional support. For our students, this means they will continue to be able to focus on their learning, without having to worry about whether or not food for their lunch was available at home.

“With the support of various community partners, such as Food4Kids, the May Court Club and Nutrition for Learning, WEFI continues to make a positive impact in the lives of students and families across Waterloo Region,” said Nick Landry, treasurer and secretary of WEFI. “We believe that these funds will support student nutrition programs across our Region and help reduce the impact of food insecurity that many of our students and families face on a daily basis.”

A group of seven people stand smiling behind a counter covered with food donation baskets. Each person is wearing a red apron with the "Nutrition 4 Learning" logo, and baskets are filled with fruit and other items.

“WEFI’s generous donation is meaningful to Nutrition for Learning for so many reasons. These funds help us continue to show up for Waterloo Region students in this heightened time of need for universal access to nutritious food. This donation also reflects WRDSB’s ongoing commitments to creating the best possible chances for students to thrive. Thank you WEFI for getting behind students’ needs and supporting Nutrition for Learning this school year,” said Erin Moraghan, Chief Executive Officer of Nutrition for Learning.

Measuring the impact

Our students appreciate your generosity.” Rosemount in Kitchener

“Could we request 2 boxes of the student food that your club so wonderfully provides.” Riverside School in Elmira

“We would very much appreciate receiving one of your boxes in order to provide nutrition to students who do not have lunch or require a little extra to supplement what is coming from home.” Centennial in Cambridge

“Thank you soooo very much!” Sir Adam Beck in Baden

Thank you again so much for your investment in our program.

A woman stands smiling behind a table covered in food donations.

These organizations have continued to support student nutrition throughout the pandemic. Read more: Feeding Students in the Time of COVID-19

WEFI helps, and you can too

You can help make a difference for our students by making a donation to WEFI. It’s as easy as clicking the button below. A small donation can have a notable impact – whether it’s helping to make sure a child is fed before they start their day of learning, or providing the opportunity for a student to experience extracurricular activities.

About the Waterloo Education Foundation Inc. (WEFI)

WEFI is a registered charitable foundation which operates through the WRDSB and is managed by a Board of Directors.

Learn more about WEFI