Nova Scotian Wins National Nutrition Award

A volunteer that helps students at Beaver Bank Kinsac Elementary School get a healthy start to their morning is the winner of a national nutrition award.

The Breakfast for Learning Award for Inspiration and Leadership was presented to Sheila King today, March 3, by Minister of Health Promotion and Protection Barry Barnet. The award, presented at an event at Beaver Bank Kinsac School, recognizes outstanding leadership in child nutrition and honours Ms. King's ongoing work with the school's breakfast program.

"Sheila's dedication and hard work to establish this program, motivate the community and ensure the continuation of this program is a testament to the power of volunteerism in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Barnet. "Her work is helping students at Beaver Bank Kinsac School get the energy to learn, play and be active."

Mr. Barnet was joined by Janice Silver, co-chair of Nova Scotia Breakfast for Learning, part of a national not-for-profit organization that funds community-based student nutrition programs.

"Sheila's hard work and dedication to child nutrition and to the Beaver Bank Kinsac Breakfast Club are astounding," said Ms. Silver. "The positive impact she is having on children is immeasurable and she has helped to build a strong community for these children to learn and thrive. It is only fitting that now the community is coming together to honour her amazing achievement."

Involved with the school's breakfast club since 1995 for five mornings a week, Ms. King and has co-ordinated the program for the past 10 years. Since the program started, hundreds of students have received a proper breakfast.

Ms. King said the program has established such a strong presence in the community that neighbouring schools have started their own breakfast programs, but that success would not be possible without the work of volunteers, staff, parents, children and donors.

"This is an honour that I share with everyone involved in the Beaver Bank Kinsac Breakfast Club," said Ms. King. "This program has had such an impact on students and there are too many to count, but I am happy to create a warm and safe environment where kids can flourish. I do it to see the smiles and I couldn't think of a better way to start my day."

The breakfast club begins the first Monday after the start of the school year and goes until the last day of school. About 40 students take part in the program daily.