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Canadian Publications Agreement No. 40727545

MPP Leal helps St. Paul kick off Fresh From the Farm fundraiser

 

December 08, 2017

 

BY TERRY GILLIS

 

On Friday, December 1, Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs met with students and parents from St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield to help sort and bundle fresh, local fruit and vegetables to take home to their families.

 

Fresh from the Farm is an initiative that offers a healthy choice for fundraising for Ontario schools. This is St. Paul School’s third year participating in the program.

 

Since Fresh from the Farm’s launch four years ago, 665 Ontario schools have collectively distributed over 1.6 M pounds of fresh, Ontario-grown fruit and vegetables to Ontario families with total sales over 1.7 M dollars.

 

“Fresh from the Farm supports our student twofold, promoting healthy eating as well as being a fundraiser. As a fundraiser it brings our community together and the funds we make go directly to supporting our winter sports activities like skiing and skating. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make this happen,” said Arlene Robinson, Principal of St. Paul Catholic Elementary School, Lakefield

 

This year, the 35 schools from Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board raised over $80,000 by selling locally-grown produce including carrots, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples. 40% of sales are reinvested back into the schools to support activities such as class trips, yard improvements, student nutrition programs and upgrades to sporting facilities.

 

St. Paul has raised $2,300 through their sale of Fresh From the Farm produce.

 

Early on Friday morning, MPP Leal rolled up his sleeves in the St. Paul gymnasium and helped the Linton and Bullock families with the recently delivered shipment of sweet potatoes, onions and crisp red apples.

 

“Congratulations to the 35 schools in Peterborough County who participated in Fresh from the Farm this year. This program offers a unique opportunity for our students to connect with farmers while learning about the variety of nutritious fruits and veggies grown in Ontario. Buying local not only supports our province’s nearly 50,000 family farms but it tastes good too!” commented Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough.

 

St. Paul has just completed their Christmas Poinsettia and Wreath Fundraiser and will now begin their Fresh From the Farm campaign.