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Feeding Futures

Background

In 2022/23, the Ministry of Education and Child Care provided one-time funding to school districts across the province, called the Student and Family Affordability Fund. This funding supported a variety of school-based food and family assistance programs.

In spring 2023, the ministry announced that in the upcoming school year, they would be dedicating $71.5 million per year, to be shared across the province, for the next three years, to increase school-based food security for students. This fund is referred to as the Feeding Futures School Food Programs Fund. $350,000 of this funding was allocated to SD64 to increase food security programs within all of our schools.

The Feeding Futures School Food Program addresses the immediate need to feed students and builds on the progress made with the Student and Family Affordability Fund to help reduce the challenges of rising food costs for families who need it most. This funding is expected to reach the 20% of students who are facing food insecurity across the province.

Mandate

The Feeding Futures School Program is embarking on a mission to ensure every student in our district is fed, ready to learn, and empowered to thrive academically. The program focuses on sustainable, locally sourced, stigma-free access to healthy food.

Our Goals

  1. Hunger will not hinder any child in School District No. 64 from realizing their full potential.7-1.png
  2. Nutritional Adequacy: Providing balanced meals that meet or exceed dietary guidelines to support students' growth, development, and overall health.
  3. Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to nutritious meals during the school day.
  4. Promotion of Health and Wellness: Educating students about healthy eating habits and encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  5. Supporting Academic Performance: Recognizing the link between proper nutrition and academic achievement, aiming to enhance students' focus, concentration, and cognitive function through nourishing meals.
  6. Food Safety and Quality Assurance: Implementing rigorous food safety protocols to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
  7. Environmental Sustainability: Embracing sustainable practices such as reducing food waste, sourcing locally when possible, and promoting eco-friendly packaging to minimize the environmental impact of the lunch program.
  8. Community Engagement: Collaborating with parents, caregivers, educators, and local stakeholders to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy eating habits both in and out of school.
  9. Financial Viability: Managing resources efficiently to sustainably fund the lunch program while keeping meals free for families in need and minimizing financial strain on the school budget.

Feeding Futures Coordinator

Dan Sparanese

Summary of Current Programs by School

Fernwood Elementary School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Universal snack and lunch supplementation program available by request.
  • Please contact school principal Marie Mullen if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Fulford Community Elementary School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Universal snack and lunch supplementation program available by request.
  • Please contact school principal Kaz Lundgren if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Galiano Island Community School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students in need who self-identify.
  • Universal snack and lunch supplementation program available by request.
  • Please contact school vice principal Kadek Okuda if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Gulf Islands Secondary School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students in need who self-identify.
  • Universal snack program available throughout the school.
  • Please contact school principal Nicholas Garcia if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Mayne Island School                                                                             1-1.png

  • Universal snack program available to all.
  • Please contact school vice principal Marcus Down if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Pender Islands Elementary and Secondary School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Universal snack and lunch supplementation program available by request.
  • Please contact school principal Margot Landahl if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Salt Spring Elementary School

  • Lunch is provided at no cost for students experiencing food insecurity.
  • Universal snack and lunch supplementation program available by request.
  • Please contact school principal Shelly Johnson if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

Saturna Island School and Saturna Ecological Education Centre

  • Universal snack program.
  • Please contact school principal Margot Landahl if this program would benefit your child and/or your family.

SD64 Feeding Futures Program PartnersIMG_3248-1.jpg

Feeding Futures in School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands) is made possible by the committed staff at each of our schools who prioritize removing barriers for children affected by food insecurity. We are also incredibly thankful for the support of our local food service business who have a shared passion for ensuring children are nourished, healthy, and ready to learn.

Input

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the school meal programs at School District No. 64, please feel free to share your input by completing this FORM or contacting our district's Feeding Futures Coordinator, Dan Sparanese, via email.


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