In response to an increase in food insecurity, Centennial Public School has continued our breakfast program this year.
Our school's breakfast program is delivered/funded in partnership with the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE). The program aims to ensure that all students have access to a healthy snack at school. It is our goal that all children and youth are set up to succeed in their day of learning, and we know that it is difficult to learn on an empty stomach.
Although all students are encouraged to bring lunch to school, we recognize that there may be circumstances that make this difficult.
We are beginning a lunch/nutrition break progam.
An important aspect of our program is that of "universal access" The lunch/nutrition program wouldn't work if students felt stigma by participating, so we don't screen our participants. We want to make sure every student feels welcomed into a warm community space, where they can eat a nutritious lunch/nutrition break snack to help them to succeed in their school day.
Baskets with a serving of fruit (apples, pears, oranges, bananas, etc.) and either a protein (cheese strings, yogurt tubes etc.) or whole grain (whole grain muffins, granola bars, etc.), will be put out in several central locations and some classrooms for students to access between the hours of 1:15-2:00 PM. Those who would like a snack are welcome to take 2 items - one from each food group.
While we received some funding from ONFE, it will not cover all costs for this school year. For those who are looking to help, please use this donation page to help support this important initiative.