Food for Thought: Nourishing Bodies and Building Community

Through the innovative ‘Food for Thought’ initiative, the Winnipeg School Division (WSD) Adult EAL Program is taking significant strides to address food insecurity among its newcomer adult students. 

This program has been operating for over eight years and provides vital support to approximately 150 out of 650 students. It helps them access a variety of food items from Winnipeg Harvest to supplement their monthly food budgets. 

 As food prices continue to rise, many Canadians, including newcomers, face increasing challenges in meeting their basic nutritional needs. Recognizing that good nutrition is crucial for family health, growth, and successful learning, the WSD Adult EAL Program has created a safe and familiar environment within a strong, supportive school community to distribute food to those who need it. 

The Food for Thought initiative has become a cornerstone of the school's identity, embodying the WSD's core values of "Joy, Love & Rigour!" It has fostered a sense of unity and compassion among students, teachers, and support staff, who volunteer their time to ensure the program's success. 

The program has partnered with the Eagle Urban Transition Centre (EUTC) to expand its impact. This collaboration not only assists in distributing surplus food from Winnipeg Harvest but also builds bridges between newcomer and Indigenous communities. The EUTC has actively participated in school-wide activities, including recognizing Truth and Reconciliation Day. 

 “Joey Asuncion, a former Industrial Management Engineer from the Philippines, has played a pivotal role in coordinating the Food Bank. Since joining the WSD AEAL Program in 2018, Joey has applied his project management expertise to efficiently manage various aspects of the initiative, from food distribution to technical support,” said Bryan Magnusson, Vice Principal of the WSD Adult EAL program. 

“Rolly's Transfer's ongoing commitment has greatly enhanced the success of the Food for Thought Food Bank. Over the past eight years, this company has delivered hundreds of pallets of food to the school, significantly contributing to the program's ability to serve its students.”

The Food Bank is just one of many activities that define the school's community. Despite the students' diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, a shared school identity has emerged that is rooted in values of safety, support, and compassion. This initiative aligns with the WSD's commitment to creating a just and sustainable society, reimagining these ideals daily through collaboration with community partners. 

By providing access to nutritious food and fostering a sense of community, the Food for Thought initiative is not just feeding bodies – it's nourishing minds and building bridges between diverse communities, creating a better world for all.