The first semester to include new federal and provincial nutrition and food programs is coming to a close, and schools in Winnipeg are already seeing a difference.
Jason Drysdale, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Planning at River East Transcona School Division (RETSD), says it’s still too early to see how these programs affect student academics. However, in terms of engagement, they’ve already seen significant change.
The federal and provincial food programs are expanding to the existing nutrition programs across the 42 schools of the RETSD and create a sense of consistency. Thirty-three schools and six high schools across the division have received enhanced snack carts, with three community schools receiving breakfast, lunch, and snack programming.
Impacts aren’t only felt in the schools. According to École Salisbury Morse Place School’s principal, Tanis Ziprick, for many parents and families, the meals make a huge difference in their children’s lives.
