YMM Airport Partners with Wood Buffalo Food Bank to Feed Local Schoolkids

The Fort McMurray Airport Authority continues its support of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association’s Snack Attack Program through it yearly donation of $10,000.

“As the school year starts, many families have to make tough financial choices about what is needed to start the school year.” Said Arianna Johnson, executive director of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association. “This program makes a huge difference, instead of being distracted by hunger, children in our community can focus on what they’re being taught at school. The airport’s commitment to the Snack Attack Program provides stability to this much-needed resource in our schools.”

The airport authority has been the lead sponsor for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association’s Snack Attack Program in schools in the Wood Buffalo Region since 2015. This program provides a choice of healthy snacks as approved by Alberta Health Services (AHS). Teachers have reported that the students’ ability to focus and complete tasks has been vastly improved by the provision of nutritious snacks.

Through the airport’s Community Investment Program (CIP) the Fort McMurray Airport Authority has committed this funding to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association. This program provides support to local not-for-profit organizations that contribute to our community’s quality of life. The core focus areas of the program are youth, leadership development, and local community. Other current CIP partners include the 868 YMM Rotary Northstar Squadron Air Cadets, Fort McMurray Historical Society, Fort McMurray SPCA, and Wood Buffalo Food Bank Association.

“Partnering with the Food Bank on the Snack Attack Program for the children and youth of this community is exactly what our Community Investment Program is all about.” said RJ Steenstra, president and CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “School children should be able to focus on learning and not have to worry about being hungry at school. This partnership is an investment in our youth and the development of our community’s future leaders and contributors. The Authority is proud to provide funding that ensures the Snack Attack program is available in schools that need it throughout the Region.”