The Rainy River District School Board’s Student Nutrition Program provides basic and consistent nutrition to help reduce barriers for student attendance and participation in the region, playing a critical role in supporting educational pathways for young people. Through its Community Investment Program, New Gold contributed $13,000 to the school board’s program, supporting the breakfast, lunch, and at-home nutrition initiatives for students in the district.
“[New Gold’s] generous donation and support have enabled us to enhance our breakfast, snack, and lunch programs at all our schools,” said Tara Rajala, Student Nutrition and Supports Coordinator with the school board. “We have been able to provide additional servings of cereals, granola bars, cheese, eggs, crackers, applesauce, bagels, English muffins, and emergency lunches, as well as items to help deliver these foods to the students.”
New Gold’s Community Investment Program supports social and community development projects that drive meaningful and long-lasting positive change within local communities. By investing in initiatives that build community resilience, New Gold aims to create meaningful and sustainable impacts that enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and families in local communities.
“We look forward to further developing our partnership with [New Gold] to continue to reduce barriers to student attendance and participation,” added Tara.
Recently, New Gold’s Community Investment Program was refreshed to focus on key investment areas that will have the greatest impact on identified community needs and contribute to building resilient communities. New Gold’s focus areas in order of priority are:
- Social and Community Development with a focus on initiatives that improve the quality of living in host communities, prioritizing initiatives that address community gaps with a focus on equity seeking groups and vulnerable populations.
- Education initiatives that contribute towards higher learning, with a focus on trades and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to support mining career pathways, as well as varying educational initiatives that support children and youth.
- Environment with a focus on projects that support wetlands, water stewardship, reclamation, habitat conservation, circular economy, and climate resiliency
To learn more about the district’s nutrition program visit their website or contact tara.rajala@rrdsb.com. To learn more about New Gold’s Community Investment Program or to apply, click here.
