Belleville, Ontario, April 24, 2020 – To assist increasing numbers of Loyalist students who are experiencing food insecurity, exacerbated by COVID-19 related layoffs and income-loss, three community partners are providing the College with much-needed support and access to healthy foods.
“We are grateful to United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, Gleaners Food Bank and Willowlee Sod Farms for their generous donations in support of Loyalist College students’ health and well-being,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President & CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put immense strain on students and their families, and many cannot afford a basic nutritious diet.”
On April 23, Loyalist College received 100 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables sponsored by United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, in partnership with Community Development Council of Quinte’sGood Food Market. Through a partnership with Gleaners Food Bank and Nestlé Canada, United Way HPE also provided 2,000 lbs. of bulk pasta and five boxes of dehydrated vegetables. The Wellness@Loyalist team and Social Service Worker program students distributed the food to students in need, while practicing physical distancing. In addition, United Way HPE has donated $2,500 in emergency student food relief funds.
Gleaners Food Bank has committed to providing food hampers to support the nutritional needs of Loyalist students, which will be available to students every three weeks, free of charge. Gleaners will also donate supplies to the Loyalist Student Food Cupboard, a free service administered through Loyalist Residence Commons, to give students access to non-perishable food, school supplies and personal hygiene items.
Willowlee Sod Farms will donate time and equipment to create and maintain a large vegetable and fruit garden at the College’s Belleville campus. Fresh produce from the garden will be used to stock the Loyalist Student Food Cupboard.
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“United Way Hastings & Prince Edward is proud to assist Loyalist College students during this difficult time. It’s important that students have access to nutritious foods and financial aid. We hope our donation will support students in need as they continue their education, and achieve their dreams for the future.” – Brandi Hodge,Executive Director,United Way Hastings & Prince Edward
“Gleaners Food Bank is dedicated to keeping our communities healthy and well-fed. Our monthly food hampers, and donation of supplies to the Loyalist Student Food Cupboard, will ensure that students have access to the basic necessities they require.” – Sarah Kring, Public Relations and Fundraising Coordinator, Gleaners Food Bank
“Willowlee Sod Farms is pleased to sponsor Loyalist College in their efforts to establish a fruit and vegetable garden. Fresh food is an essential part of food security, and we are looking forward to sharing our resources and knowledge, and to help teach students and volunteers how to grow and nurture fresh produce.” – Kurt Vanclief, Founder and President, Willowlee Sod Farms
About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $465 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2018 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.
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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536