School snack program gets refill from Williams and McDaniel, Jennark Homes

It may not seem like much, but a mid-morning snack can help students with their studies.

Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington executive director Glenna Banda said Williams & McDaniel and Jennark Homes recently made a generous donation to fully fund the Food and Friends snack programs both at James McQueen and Victoria Terrace Schools ($11,000 donation in total).

Taylor McDaniel and Zeljka Budjinski from W&M/Jennark were at the schools on May 12 for a cheque presentation and to help at the yogurt bar.

Banda added, “it’s great because the teachers and volunteers at these schools do not have to worry about fundraising and can focus on preparing the food and other things they need to do.”

James McQueen Public School principal Andrew Creighton thanked the company for its support, adding, “We really appreciate it.”

McDaniel noted over the years, the company had made scattered community donations. He said in talking with Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton, McDaniel asked if there was something specific related to downtown Fergus where many of the company’s rental properties are located.

Linton reached out to Banda who offered “exactly what we were looking for.”

The Children’s Foundation Food and Friends Program supports local children through student nutrition programs.

Its mission is to initiate, facilitate and support quality, sustainable student nutrition programs. The program provides breakfast, lunch and snack programs for students in a supportive, non-judgmental environment where they feel cared for and safe, officials say.