School Lunch Program

The school lunch program ensures that no child goes hungry during their time in the classroom. There is a huge increase in the demand for this service in the 18 schools in our area.

Children are growing, and what may have been ample in yesterday’s lunch and snacks provided by the home may be inadequate the following day. Students cannot learn on an empty stomach. Those schools that have been proactive in providing nutrition throughout the day have recorded a big increase in learning and a parallel decrease in disruptive behaviour. In addition to the shelf-stable items that we supply, schools are given a budget to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and protein items. We have had very positive reports from schools on introducing this program – kids eating real food.

The Food Bank also provides weekend bags to those children identified through their school as needing additional food to support them through the weekend.

The Food Bank recognizes that some households prefer to have the food at home to prepare for lunches for their school age children. Therefore, year-round, each hamper for households with school-age children includes nutritious lunch supplies.

The Cochrane Food Bank is also a proud supporter of Rockyview Schools “Food For Thought” program.