Winnipeg School Division launches nutritious food program

The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) is feeding students’ stomachs and minds with its universal nutrition program.

The initiative is designed to ensure all students have access to healthy meals to help in their learning and well-being.

In the year since the program started, some schools have had kitchens built and hired chefs as well as nutrition coordinators.

“This already has had a tremendous impact in terms of kids not having to worry about when their next meal is,” said Matt Henderson, WSD superintendent. “Attendance has gone up. Learners have far more stamina in the afternoon to finish the day.”

The WSD received more than $4.7 million from the province to fund the program at its nearly 80 schools. It has also collaborated with the federal government and the Schroeder Foundation to provide breakfast and hot lunches to all students.

Of the provincial funding, 65 per cent must be used for food, while the remaining 35 per cent can be used to pay for staff and capital.

“Not every school is equal in terms of the need, and so we distributed those resources equitably,” Henderson said. “This is going to help a lot of kids.”