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Oxford's Snack Program Starts for the School Year

It's a program meant to improve students' learning abilities through healthy eating habits. The Oxford County Nutrition Partnership kicked off Tuesday morning. They work with schools and volunteers to set up and maintain a snack program. There are 37 schools participating this year, which has led to less funding for each. The program will run for 34 weeks this year instead of 38 due to this grant cut. Cathy Jollymore is the school coordinator for the snack program at Winchester Street Public School. She says they will have rely more on donations this year: "I'm about I figure $900 less than I was last year for my funding. We have to get donations from parents to help us with the program and then I go to other means to help find more funding because that won't cut it," said Jollymore. Lynda Metcalfe (in photo) with the partnership says they couldn't run the program without community support. Metcalfe says the partnership keeps growing: "We had one program basically back in 2001, and now we're up to 37. The goal is to get to 40." Principal of Huron Park Secondary School Tim Doherty is new to the program: "It's no secret: if kids are hungry, they can't learn. It's wonderful that the community is supporting this initiative. I'm one that believes in a healthy lifestyle. I'll certainly model healthy eating and make sure the students at Huron Park who need the program can access it without a lot of difficulty," said Doherty. Oxford County is one of the eight regions who participate in a healthy snack program.

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