A new federally funded lunch program at the Lloydminster Catholic School Division is helping students at St. Mary’s Elementary School access free daily meals while easing pressure on families facing rising grocery costs.
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The program, funded through Canada’s National School Food Program, launched at the school shortly after Easter and provides free lunches to all students each day, alongside an existing breakfast program.
“We want our students to thrive in every way possible and food is one thing that will actually let them do that,” said Coralee Hohne, community education co-ordinator with the division. “Nobody can learn on an empty stomach.”
Students can choose from a variety of foods representing three to four food groups, including fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy products.
Hohne said the program is designed to be stigma-free by making meals available to everyone, rather than singling out students in need.
“When it is offered to everybody, then the kids who really do need it are more likely to take that,” she said.
The initiative comes as food insecurity continues to affect families across Canada. Hohne noted statistics show one in four children do not get enough food in a day.
Glenda Kary, director of education for the division, said consistent access to nutritious food plays a direct role in student success.
“Student nutrition is key to learning,” said Kary. “How do we make sure we have good food choices for them at the times of day they’re hungry?”
Kary said stable funding is critical because students and families quickly come to rely on school nutrition programs.
“Once people start to rely on food sources, I do think the onus is on us to continue to try and provide that for them,” she said.
Parents say the program is already making a difference.
Krista Arseneault, chair of the school society and a parent at St. Mary’s, said the lunches help reduce stress for families balancing busy schedules and higher grocery bills.
“It takes that pressure off the parents at night,” she said. “There’s lots of after-school activities, so relying on this program here, I don’t have to think of that at night.”
Students are also embracing the program and trying foods they may not otherwise eat at home.
Grade 4 student Joni Kozma said she appreciates having food available if she forgets her lunch and has enjoyed trying new vegetables.
“I don’t usually eat peppers,” she said. “And they were very good.”
Kozma added having access to food during the school day helps students stay focused in class.
“If we don’t eat, we’re probably going to be grumbling,” she said. “It’s harder to learn when you’re hungry.”
Across the division, nutrition programs are already serving thousands of students. From September to February, the division provided roughly 27,000 lunches, 23,000 snacks and 6,000 breakfasts.
At Holy Rosary High School, sandwiches, snacks and soup are available throughout the day. Breakfast and lunch programs are consistently available at Father Gorman Community School and St. Mary’s School.
Lunches are also available at Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Centre, while snack programs operate at St. Joseph School and École St. Thomas.
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