Spryfield program reacts to universal lunch plan
Executive director of Family SOS Lunchbox Project unsure how province will handle pre-existing programs
For Johanne Thompson, delivering free lunches to students at Rockingstone Heights serves as a form of instant gratification for her and other staff.
“It’s about providing food and filling hungry bellies, but it’s also about so much more than that,” said Thompson.
“It’s that sense of community and belonging, sharing that space and time together, having that time to be in conversation together . . . . It’s an incredible part of it.”
Thompson is the executive director of the Family SOS Lunchbox Project, which has been providing around 400 free weekly meals to students at Rockingstone Heights Elementary School in Spryfield for the past three years.
According to Thompson, the project began in the midst of the pandemic, when food insecurity was high. Since 2021, it has operated thanks to a grant from the J&W Murphy Foundation.
With the province preparing to launch an $18.8-million plan for a universal lunch program, Thompson is unsure how it will affect the Lunchbox Project.
“We’ve made a few phone calls, but everything’s so preliminary right now,” said Thompson.
“I know the province has earmarked some money, but as to how that’s going to roll out? I have no idea. It will really depend on the infrastructure available at each school.”
On Thursday, the program served 206 meals at J.L. Ilsley High School for the first time.
“It went great,” said Thompson. “We were estimating the same volume of foods, but with larger portions with them being teenagers.”
Family SOS recently conducted its spring survey, collecting feedback from students at Rockingstone Heights about the lunch program. According to Thompson, it was generally positive.
“They said our food was very healthy, which is what we’re aiming for,” said Thompson.
“Some students had some unhealthy requests for next time like Cheetos. But then another kid asked for more broccoli, so I guess it just depends.”
Nine-year-old Gabby and 11-year-old Bella are both students at Rockingstone Heights. They had many positive things to say about the program.
“I like that mac and cheese,” said Gabby. “I get really excited when I see it coming in.”
“It’s good,” said Bella. “Because not everybody has money for food and stuff.”
The project aims for as little food waste as possible. Valerie Rafuse, a staff member for the project, said the school office will make announcements when there are leftover meals.
“Anyone who wants seconds or didn’t get a hot lunch that day is more than welcome to come get one when we have leftovers,” said Rafuse.
According to Thompson, the lunch program provides students with volunteer opportunities. At the elementary school, they can offer to deliver lunches to classrooms, while high school students are able to serve lunch to their fellow classmates.
“Food can really create a sense of community in that way,” said Thompson.
With the provincial government’s plan to provide free lunch to students provincewide, Thompson provided some advice on how to go about it.
“It’s important to take the various tastes, allergies and cultural backgrounds into consideration,” she said.
“The population here in Spryfield has a high newcomer component, so all of the food we provide is vegetarian and available to everyone. You want to make it as barrier-free as possible. It’ll be way more difficult than they think it will be.”