Giving kids a healthy start, one breakfast at a time

Angela Sparks has seen how a little kindness – and a little healthy food – can change a life, a school, and a community.

The Principal at Elrose Composite School says the school’s “Kids Come First” program, which maintains a supply of healthy snacks in the school, has been transformational for young students who may not have access to a nutritious breakfast before arriving at school.

“It's a game changer, definitely,” says Angela. “If those basic needs like sleep and food aren't met, then kids are at a significant disadvantage to be able to engage at school. Having food available is a way for us to not only meet those basic needs, but just have school feel like a welcoming and safe place.”

Elrose is one of several school nutrition programs across Saskatchewan that received a Nutrien “Building Stronger Communities Together” grant. The $2,500 award is used to buy food supplies to keep the breakfast kitchens stocked with fruit, muffins and granola bars.

While the benefit to a hungry student is visibledaily, the ability to create a sense of community has a longer lasting impact.

“We had one student who often showed up tired and having a really hard time in the mornings,” recalls Angela. “Now she comes in, goes straight to the kitchen, gets a snack and she looks forward to being at school. And she’s helping to prepare breakfast on a regular basis for a younger student who also comes to the kitchen regularly. It’s built her confidence and helped her learn some basic life and leadership skills.”

Breakfast Programs Set the Tone

Shannon Peardon, who spent 25 years in Outlook and worked as a child and youth counsellor at Outlook High School, says school nutrition programs play a vital role in giving students the best opportunities for success.

“Any teacher can tell you that a hungry kid is no good in the classroom,” says Shannon. “The breakfast programs are huge. The kids can have something to eat with no shame. Breakfast helps kids get settled in the classroom, helps with behaviour, and helps with learning. The breakfast program sets the tone for everything.”

At Esterhazy High School, the breakfast program has expanded to an all-day snack station, giving kids a boost whenever they need it. Christy Harrick, a teacher who helps run the program, says the grant from Nutrien makes it possible to keep a supply of fresh apples, oranges, bananas and other healthy items available through the school day. 

“Sometimes students don’t have time for breakfast and are so appreciative to have snacks available when they need them,” says Christy. “Anything to nourish your body also helps nourish your mind. If you’re able to nourish yourself, you’re able to function better in class.”

Support in the Community

While most school nutrition programs are run by the school, some are built on broader community support.

Nipawin’s “Nutrition for Kids” breakfast program has been operated by a volunteer board for the past 20 years and raises about $25,000 annually to help bring healthy breakfasts to two elementary schools in the community.

“It's just been an amazing program,” says Shauna Grassing, treasurer of the community board. “Teachers tell us a lot of kids won’t go to school if they’re hungry and don’t have food. I know this year, at the very beginning of the school year, we had kids waiting outside to make sure there was food in the building.”

In Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill area, BGC Saskatoon (formerly Boys and Girls Club) oversees a community-based snack program delivered through the local school that extends access to healthy snacks through the weekend. The Nutrien grant is used to prepare about 30 food bags each week with fresh fruit, yogurt, or cheese sticks.

“During the school year, some of these kids might get breakfast or lunch at school and a healthy snack with us,” says Leigh-Ann McLean, Director of Youth Programs for BGC Saskatoon. “That might be the last time they eat that day. Then the weekend comes and those were the hardest days for some of these kids. So, we started preparing bags on Fridays with some things so they could have a little snack. We repeatedly hear from those kids that food bags are their favorite days.”

The collective efforts of the volunteers and teachers (with a financial assist from Nutrien) are helping to ensure more kids get the most out of their school day – and are part of building stronger communities.