Well fed
Borrowed Kitchen provides meals to seven Island schools
Dianne Fullerton loves to be in the kitchen preparing meals for children.
However, she doesn’t just cook for her own kids, but for boys and girls in seven schools on the Island.
Fullerton’s business, Borrowed Kitchen, provides meals to elementary schools that are all without a cafeteria.
She started in 2007 by making meals for seniors in a rented church kitchen, and has branched out to offer homemade options for students.
“I have a child in kindergarten right now, and two have gone through the school system. I like that there’s a healthier option for the children.”
She includes fresh fruit and vegetables with every meal, and supports local farmers.
Running the business can be challenging because even though she has help from family in the kitchen, she has to deliver the food to each school.
“It’s time-consuming, but I don’t feel I can hire somebody because I want to keep the price point down for the children,” said Fullerton.
She loves being able to make a difference for the children, and Borrowed Kitchen has expanded just through word of mouth.
“I don’t hear much feedback, but I know it’s working because I typically get one or two calls from a new school every year asking if I’m available.”
Principal Sandra Jay at Greenfield Elementary said Borrowed Kitchen is the perfect fit for the school.
They receive meals from Fullerton on Wednesdays and Fridays, and have been one of the schools on her list for about two years.
Some of the meals for the students include grilled cheese sandwiches, whole-wheat pancakes, soft tacos, and cheeseburgers.
Jay said it’s convenient for parents involved in the program because they don’t have to worry about a packed lunch every day.
As well, any food that was already prepared on storm days went to the Upper Room soup kitchen in Charlottetown, she said.
She said the students don’t have any complaints about what gets delivered for lunch.
“We have a good response from the children. The food options are popular, and they really like it.”