More Than a Meal: How Cold Lake Outreach School is Nourishing Students and Building Community

At Cold Lake Outreach School in Cold Lake, AB, a warm meal is more than just food—it’s a source of comfort, connection, and confidence for students. Through the dedication of volunteer staff and the support of President’s Choice Children’s Charity’s (PCCC) Power Full Kids^TM program, the school ensures that every student has access to nutritious meals, helping them focus on learning, build relationships, and thrive in and out of the classroom.

Unlike traditional schools, Cold Lake Outreach serves students with diverse schedules and unique challenges, making the accessibility of food even more critical. The school’s kitchen is a hub of activity five days a week, offering a welcoming space where students can grab a meal, learn new skills, or simply take a break from their day. Volunteer staff prepare and serve meals, ensuring that no student goes hungry. “For many of our students, this program is more than just food—it’s a place where they feel cared for and seen,” says Administrative Assistant Allie Untereiner. “Some students arrive at school knowing this is the only hot meal they’ll have all day. That’s why it matters so much.”

Mornings at Cold Lake Outreach start with a hearty, protein-rich breakfast—a simple but powerful way to set students up for success. Throughout the day, grab-and-go snacks are always available, removing any stigma around needing extra nourishment. Lunchtime is a highlight, featuring student-favorite meals like loaded taco salad, crispy chicken Caesar wraps, and homemade soups, all made with fresh ingredients. The program serves a student population of 205, with 45-50 students attending Monday through Thursday and 20 on Fridays. Meal planning is done with student input, ensuring the menu reflects their preferences while maintaining balanced nutrition.

One student shared a moment that stuck with staff: after receiving a meal, they asked, “Are you rich?” When asked why they thought so, they responded, “Do you go home to food in the fridge? If you do, that’s pretty rich to me.” These words served as a stark reminder of how deeply food insecurity impacts students' lives.

Beyond nutrition, the meal program helps foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Students often enjoy meals in classrooms, turning snack time into moments of connection between peers and staff. The welcoming atmosphere encourages open conversations, allowing teachers and volunteers to check in on students' well-being in a natural, supportive way. For Indigenous liaison groups and families in the community, the program has been a vital support system. Many students rely on it not just for meals but for a safe, welcoming space where their needs are understood and met with care. “Making sure students have food is just the start,” Untereiner emphasizes. “It’s about making sure they feel safe, supported, and ready to take on their goals—whether that’s finishing a math test or working toward graduation.”

Over the years, the program has evolved into more than just a meal service. The school has shifted toward preparing meals from scratch, incorporating fresh ingredients, and giving students opportunities to develop hands-on cooking skills. Students are encouraged to help with meal prep, learn about nutrition, and even gain credits through cooking-related coursework, making food a meaningful part of their education. These experiences not only teach life skills but also empower students with confidence and independence.

At Cold Lake Outreach, the goal is clear: remove barriers to food access so that no student has to worry about where their next meal will come from. “This program is about more than filling stomachs—it’s about making sure our students have what they need to succeed, both in school and in life,” Untereiner shares. With strong community connections and dedicated staff and volunteers, the PCCC Power Full Kids^TM program at Cold Lake Outreach School is a lifeline for students, ensuring that they feel nourished, valued, and ready to take on their future.

To learn more about Power Full Kids^TM programs, visit: https://www.pcchildrenscharity.ca/power-full-kids-at-school/