The local Breakfast Club keeps New Hamburg students fed and focused

From left, Paulette West, Kathy Bender and Dianne Satchell – the trio of tireless volunteers behind New Hamburg’s school breakfast and snack program – dressed as three kittens for Halloween to bring smiles to the students they serve. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Three dedicated local women are making a big difference in the lives of public-school students in New Hamburg, one breakfast at a time.

Each week, Paulette West, Kathy Bender and Dianne Satchell volunteer their time to prepare hot breakfasts every Wednesday for students at Forest Glen Public School, while also providing nutritious snacks throughout the week.

Their snack program includes egg salad sandwiches, cheese strings, yogurt tubes, fresh fruit and vegetables, crackers, and muffins – healthy options that help students stay energized and ready to learn. The same program also supports students at Grandview Public School in New Hamburg.

All meals and snacks are prepared in the certified kitchen at Steinmann Mennonite Church near Baden, with strong community backing from local churches, businesses and growers who regularly donate food and funds.

In 2023, the volunteer group received a major boost from 100 Men of New Hamburg Who Really Give a Damn, which recognized the value of the breakfast program and contributed $10,000 to help keep students eating well.

Thanks to the dedication of these three women and the generosity of the community, hundreds of students start their school days nourished and ready to succeed.