WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) and Providence Grain Solutions announced on Sept. 20 the launch of a program designed to provide students with healthy lunches to promote better learning. 

Nicknamed the “Drive to 65” and based on dollar-for-tonne matching by both CWB and Providence Grain against producer deliveries on CWB contracts, the program is aiming to reach 65,000 tonnes, or C$130,000 toward the program.

“We launched this program because we saw a need in our community,” said Senior Grain Procurement Manager Dan Choromiec of Providence Grain Solutions. “There are kids who go to school hungry, and in this day and age, in this country, that shouldn’t be happening. We have a responsibility to look after each other.”

Farmers who deliver against 2013-14 CWB contracts to Providence Grain facilities will have each tonne matched by C$1 from Providence Grain, and C$1 from CWB toward the program. Farmers can direct the funds raised as a result of their contract to their school of choice, provided it is registered for the program.

“We’re really pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Providence Grain on this program,” said CWB Vice-President of Grain Procurement Gord Flaten. “Healthy, regular meals are essential to students’ abilities to learn, and no student should have to wonder whether they’ll have a solid lunch to fuel their school day.”

The program will officially launch on Oct. 1. Interested parent advisory committees can contact Providence Grain Solutions to register for the program.