A nutritional boost for Pinkham students

Pinkham School is making significant changes to help students learn and grow! They’ve recently started a new nutrition program to provide students with healthy, yummy Food. 

"We are very grateful for the opportunity to provide free breakfast and lunch for our students. Since we started the lunch program at the beginning of this month, students have been coming to school early to have breakfast," informs Mercy Sackey, Principal of Pinkham School. 

"We have noticed that students are happier, calmer, and make new friends. The overall school climate has changed. As we move forward, we are thrilled by how this meaningful change has impacted our students, communities, and beyond."

Now, students get complimentary breakfast and lunch every day! It means they can focus on learning and playing without worrying about hunger.

The feedback from the students and parents has been positive and motivating for Noah and Mr. T., the school's food coordinators. 

"I can't wait to see what it is. The Food is delicious!" adds Lauren, a Grade 5 student.   

Another student, Kaleb, loves the daily lunch menu and says, "Food is great! I give Mr. Noah 10 out of 10."

"We love how we have time to eat together with our friends in the lunchroom," said Daniel, a Grade 2 student. "Are there seconds?"

Parents recognize the positive impact of healthy eating on their children's learning and development. They are grateful that the school can assist their children in starting their day with the nutrition and energy they need to be engaged and successful. 

One parent, Tina Huntinghawk, mom of Sianna, a Grade 5 student who has eight children who have all been through Pinkham, came to our Community Support Worker, Ms. Houle, and said, "I love the free lunch; you have no idea how easier you guys have made my mornings. You guys are awesome."

Gloria Morrisseau, the grandma of Grade 3 student Alyssa, takes care of four of her grandchildren. She reached out to the school to ensure that lunch was free and said, "The girls told me they don't have to bring lunch anymore; it's free every day. Do you need any help? It's great that you guys are able to do that. I appreciate it. Thanks." 

"Claude loves staying at school for lunch. With your free breakfast and lunch program, you made things easier for us," said another parent, Fran Benn.

"I can now spend more money on dinner food; I won't have to buy kids' lunch food anymore."

Isha Mohammed, a parent of five children who attend Pinkham school, commented on the lunch program, "It's very good; they like to eat with their friends. Pinkham is a very good school; you make it all about the kids. Thank you, Thank you."

Breakfast, snacks, and lunch are available to every Pinkham student who needs them at school. Parents enjoy having the option and flexibility to choose whether their child wants to stay for lunch.   

The food coordinator, Noah, said, "We offer a nutritious menu of cereal, French toast, muffins, scrambled eggs, toast and fresh-baked Bannock, milk, and fruits free of charge for breakfast. For lunch, we serve Caesar salad, garlic bread, noodles, tacos, and noodle soup."

"I am thankful to our culinary arts teacher at Tec Voc, Ms. Livia Gloux, who has taught us that food is love and that when you serve good, nutritious food, we share our love for the students." 

When creating and planning food options, all students' needs are considered. The WSD Nutrition Department works collaboratively with all schools to provide essential nutrition services that support our diverse student population. 

The new food program is helping students' bodies and minds. When students eat healthy Food, they think better, learn faster, and feel happier. 

A short video about the nutrition program can be viewed here.