Student nutrition program helps provide food at Glendale High School

Student Kaleb Gunnell puts out the food for Glendale High School’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program. The program provides breakfast, lunch and snacks for more than 300 students of the school’s total enrolment of about 800. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The executive summary of the Glendale High School nutrition program could be breakfast and lunch for 300-plus, and more.

The program aims to provide students with healthy breakfast and lunch options. The program is part of VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program. The program's vision is “For every student to have access to nourishing food that fuels success, connects communities, and strengthens local food systems.”

“"VON’s Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) strives to ensure that every student has access to nutritious food at school,” said Jody Winegarden, community development coordinator for the program in Oxford. “With the support of dedicated volunteers, such as Meghan Janzen, the lead teacher at Glendale High School, we can respond to growing demands and help ensure children and youth have the fuel they need to learn, focus, and thrive at school. As the programs are universal and offered to all students, they remove barriers and stigma and promote inclusion and a sense of community, ensuring students are well nourished and ready to learn."

Janzen took over the Glendale program three years ago when another teacher went on maternity leave.

She is quick to point out the program shouldn’t be stereotyped as targeting only students from less fortunate families.

“It’s a range from hot having food at home to ‘I woke up too late’ and I’m a teenager and I need something to grab to help me get through to lunch,” she said.

Janzen believes many students don’t get healthy food at home.

“It’s important to get kids healthy, nutritious food that they can access without being stigmatized,” she said. “I don’t see any kids judging anyone taking from that table. Everyone takes from that table, which is great.”

Each morning, 310 servings of snacks are set out for students, including oatmeal, cereal, yogurt, and toast, plus fruits and vegetables. At lunch, the emphasis changes to vegetables and bagels. A toaster is on hand for the bagels and toast.

“They know it’s there, and they get excited for the variety sometimes we’re able to provide,” she said.

A visual arts teacher, Janzen doesn’t teach nutrition but volunteered to oversee the program. Students assist her, but she wishes she had more help. Max Adams’ developmental education class assists with the program.

“Students help create budgets, compare food prices, shop for program supplies, and develop food preparation skills,” Janzen said. “Their involvement strengthens the nutrition program allowing students to develop valuable skills in financial literacy, food literacy, and practical life skills.”

In addition shopping at local grocery stores, Janzen also orders from Produce Express.

She talked about a Produce Express program that gives Glendale a percentage when local residents order using the code GLENDALE.

“So far, we receive about $30 to $45 a month on average, and every little bit helps,” she said. “We receive five per cent back from the orders that are made through Produce Express. I can use these credits when ordering from Produce Express.”

The Glendale program is primarily funded through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program and the President’s Choice Children’s Charity’s Power Full Kids Eat Well Grant. A Farm to Cafeteria Canada grant received this year will allow the school to implement a portable salad bar at lunch once a month while working with the developmental education class on life skills and safe food handling.