SD42 Food Security Programs

Bagged Lunch Program

The Salvation Army provides free bagged lunches for students up to three times a week at the request of each school. Lunches consist of a sandwich or bagel, fruit and a snack. There is no cost for this program. Families can request their child to be added to this program through their school’s child and youth care worker, classroom teacher or administrator. Students’ identities are not shared with the Salvation Army.

Hot Lunch Program

This free program is available for students who are on the Bagged Lunch Program, providing two hot meals on days when bagged lunches are not available. Schools order the number of lunches required without sharing students’ identities with the community-based vendor.

Universal Lunch Programs

Some elementary schools offer a Universal Lunch Program twice a week that is accessible for all students. Delicious and nutritious meals are available to all families through an online ordering system provided by the external vendor. Families can opt to pay the full price or select a partial subsidy option as needed. Families who require assistance covering the full cost of the meal may request a full subsidy by connecting with their classroom teacher, counsellor, child and youth care worker, Indigenous education support worker or principal.

School Based Breakfast Programs

Every elementary school offers a free breakfast program five days a week between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. This program supports any child who would benefit from a full or partial breakfast before school. No registration is required.

All secondary schools offer a variety of supports for free breakfast five days a week. There is no registration required for these programs. They can be accessed by visiting the cafeterias or connecting with a school counsellor, youth worker, Indigenous education support worker, teacher, or school chef.

School Based Snack Programs

All schools offer a free universal snack program. This allows students to access healthy snacks as needed, five days a week.  At elementary schools, 70% of snacks available consist of fresh whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, hard boiled eggs, dairy products, and other protein-based foods. The remaining 30% is made up of healthy packaged snacks such as dried legumes, snack bars, seaweed, fruit cups, apple sauce, and other whole grain snack products. For additional information, please check with your child’s school.

Secondary School Lunch Programs

All high schools offer an internal free lunch program for students who are in need of a meal. To access the program, parents or students can connect with a school counsellor, youth worker, Indigenous education support worker, school chef or canteen staff, administrator, or another connected staff member. Many secondary schools also host free community fridges in their cafeteria, where students who experience occasional hunger can independently access food.