The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor When children aren't getting breakfast at home, does the government have a duty to step in and help? That's a question city council faces after being asked to contribute taxpayer dollars to a snack program at Ruth Betts Community School. "Based on informal classroom surveys at Ruth Betts Community School, it has become apparent that a significant percentage of students at this school are not eating breakfast prior to coming to school," Leslie Dubinak, the school's community connector, told council in a letter last week. "Research indicates a direct correlation between academic success and eating a healthy breakfast. In order to promote healthy nutritional practices at Ruth Betts Community School, students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will receive a healthy snack each school day." Dubinak told council that it will cost roughly $20,000 to provide nutritious, daily snacks to those students this academic year. That's about 55 cents per child, per day. "We are currently using part of our school budget to fund the program, but are actively trying to access funds through grants, foundations and the local community," Dubinak wrote. "Any financial support that (the) City of Flin Flon can provide to support our initiative will be greatly appreciated." Council had no comment on the request, referring it to the Finance Committee for further deliberation.
