HPE Food for Learning recruiting nutrition program volunteers

Food for Learning needs help in schools to successfully support vital nutrition programs, and to ensure every local student can eat, learn and succeed, said Vicky Struthers, program coordinator.

Article content As food insecurity continues to rise, local students are going to need help from volunteers in the upcoming school year. The Hastings and Prince Edward (HPE) Learning Foundation is launching a critical volunteer recruitment push in preparation for September so students can start their first day of school off right with the nutrition they need to thrive. Recommended Videos Food for Learning needs help in schools to successfully support vital nutrition programs, and to ensure every local student can eat, learn and succeed, said Vicky Struthers, program coordinator.

Serving an average of 7,100 students daily and providing over 1.7 million meals and snacks annually, Food for Learning supports 100 per cet of publicly funded schools across Hastings and Prince Edward counties. As student participation increases, the demand for volunteer power has never been greater to ensure these vital programs remain sustainable. Without the consistency and dependability of Food for Learning programs, students lose access to essential nutrition and an environment that fosters emotional regulation, social skills, and academic focus.

“Student nutrition programs are about so much more than just food—they are about fostering healthy habits, creating a sense of belonging, and keeping students engaged in their learning,” said Struthers, in a release. “Without a strong, dedicated group of volunteers in every school across Hastings and Prince Edward counties, students simply will not have access to these vital programs.” A new volunteer recruitment video was made possible after The HPE Learning Foundation won the A1 Plumbing “In the Community Initiative” this past March.

Following a successful community voting campaign, The Learning Foundation secured a $500 donation and a professionally produced video by Brian Lavender of Lavender Lane Media. The Learning Foundation is using this video to celebrate current volunteers and highlight the profound impact they have on local school communities. “By volunteering, you are making a lifelong impact,” Struthers adds.

“We are actively recruiting right now for September 2026. Because Vulnerable Sector Police Checks take time to process, we need to get started today to ensure schools have the support they need this fall. Please volunteer—we need you, and the students need you.”

To learn more about Food for Learning programs, please contact Struthers at vstruthers@hpelf.ca. To begin the volunteer application process, please contact Ashlyn Elmy, volunteer and outreach coordinator, at aelmy@hpelf.ca.