Northern Lights Public Schools would like to thank Imperial Oil for their generous donation of $40,000 to help provide students with food and personal care items.
“In order to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to learn and excel, we have to address the barriers that prevent them from learning to the best of their ability,” said Board Chair Karen Packard. “One of the most common barriers is food security and we appreciate the support that Imperial Oil is providing us to help meet those needs.”
This is the third year that Imperial has provided funding to assist with food security for NLPS students. The division’s schools address food security through a variety of different initiatives including breakfast programs, hot lunches, healthy snack programs, and even packages of food for students to take home over the weekend when needed. Some schools have also been providing students with personal care items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and menstrual products when a need for those items has been identified.
“A hungry student is one that is unable to focus, learn and succeed,” said James Breidenback, Cold Lake Production Manager at Imperial. “We are proud to partner with NLPS to help fuel students with nutritious meals so they can concentrate on their education.”
For over 25 years, Imperial Oil has supported NLPS students by donating and providing expertise to a variety of initiatives. In 2012, Imperial received a Friends of Education Award in recognition of the many ways it was actively supporting the division’s schools and students.
“Imperial has always been committed to working with us to meet the needs of our students,” said Packard. “Over the years that has included supporting everything from hands-on learning opportunities in the trades, to student leadership, mental health, and now food security. This long-term collaboration has benefitted not just our students, but our communities as well.”