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School meals program in Nanaimo sees huge surge in users
NANAIMO — Significantly more students in School District 68 are relying on a critical program to ensure they have enough food to get through the day.
Crystal Dennison, executive director of the Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, said their Food4Schools program has seen a sharp rise of participants compared to months before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a big jump to almost 1,200 students up from 650. Thirty-two schools, up from 16, there’s definitely been an increase.”
The program involves breakfast, lunch and snacks delivered weekly to upwards of 75 students at the busiest school, Dennison said.