DAYTONA BEACH /Florida Newswire/ — Governor Charlie Crist today visited with local Volusia county school children and administrators at Hinson Middle School to laud the Food Brings Hope program, a project that provides nutritious lunches to students who experience hunger because of their families’ economic circumstances. “Education is the foundation to success, and the health and well-being of our children is critical to their achievements in the classroom,” said Governor Crist. “The Food Brings Hope program understands the connection between quality nutrition and excellence in education. I am grateful for the essential services they provide to youth in Volusia and Flagler counties.”

The Governor encouraged students to continue making education a priority by practicing a healthy lifestyle, studying diligently and listening to their teachers, parents and mentors. Governor Crist thanked participating principals and Food Brings Hope program founder, Forough B. Hosseini, for working to give children proper nutrition that will improve their health and education throughout their lives. Mayor Fred Costello of Ormond Beach and Ray Salazar, president of United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, also joined the Governor to support the initiative.

Food Brings Hope is a program that strives to end the poverty cycle for homeless and economically disadvantaged Volusia and Flager school-aged youth by emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and offering solutions. Participating children are equipped with basic, necessary nutritional assistance and other educational services. Students who have participated in the program have reported an improvement in test scores and grades, a reduction in illness and absenteeism, and a decrease in disciplinary action. The program attributes its students’ successes to four key elements:

• Offer tutoring programs for extra school credit
• Provide transportation to and from school
• Create innovative learning activities program
• Implement a reward based system for completion of a tutoring series

For more information about the Food Brings Hope program, visit www.foodbringshope.org.