AMDSB director visits local schools to highlight student nutrition programs

From left are Avon Maitland District School Board director of education Graham Shantz, acting principal Sarah Gerber, snack-program coordinator and educational assistant Leana Diehl, and secretary Leanne Gabel at Sprucedale Public School. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Avon Maitland District School Board director of education Graham Shantz recently visited Sprucedale Public School in Shakespeare and North Easthope Public School to learn more about the nutrition programs helping support students in local schools.

Shantz said he heard about the snack and lunch programs offered at both schools, including support from local egg farmers who provide hard-boiled and peeled eggs free of charge for students. During the visits, Shantz met with principals, staff and students while continuing his efforts to stay connected with schools across the district.

“Schools across the Avon Maitland District School Board area offer a variety of nutrition programs depending on the needs of their community,” said Shantz. “Some of these programs are funded through community partners like Egg Farmers of Ontario, who contribute to Student Nutrition Ontario in order to provide protein-rich snacks to students across Perth and Huron counties and beyond.”

According to Shantz, Egg Farmers of Ontario contributed more than $350,000 to student nutrition initiatives in 2026. He said nutrition programs play an important role in helping students succeed both academically and socially.

“These programs help ensure students are engaged in learning, experience a sense of belonging at school and develop healthy eating habits,” Shantz said.

He added the success of the programs depends heavily on volunteers, staff support and community partnerships.

“When students are well nourished, their focus increases and their learning improves,” he said. “We are grateful to those who make these programs run as smoothly as they do.”

Shantz also thanked area farmers and community organizations for their ongoing support of nutrition initiatives throughout the Avon Maitland District School Board area.

Raised on his family farm near Punky-Doodles Corners in Perth County, Shantz attended Sprucedale Public School in Shakespeare before later graduating from Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School near Baden.

He went on to earn a bachelor of education degree from Western University in London and later completed a doctorate of education degree through the University of Southern Queensland in Australia.

Before becoming director of education for the Avon Maitland District School Board in 2025, Shantz spent many years working with the Waterloo Region District School Board as superintendent of education.