At Queen Elizabeth II Public School in Sarnia, Ontario, a commitment to student well-being is at the heart of everything they do. Led by dedicated educators like Mary Hilpert, the school's President’s Choice Children’s Charity (PCCC) Power Full KidsTM program ensures that every child has access to nutritious food, fostering both academic success and personal growth.
The school's snack program operates five days a week, all ten months of the school year, ensuring that students never have to worry about hunger during their school day. Each morning, every classroom receives a tray filled with a variety of healthy foods, including dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is simple but powerful: no child should go hungry, and no student should have to choose between attending school and having a meal.
Beyond daily snacks, Room 10—the school’s designated cooking classroom—serves as a hub for food education. Each class participates in monthly cooking activities, where students learn essential kitchen skills while preparing meals such as vegetable soup, fruit smoothies, and whole-grain wraps. Teachers can also reserve Room 10 for additional hands-on lessons, including life skills like using a dishwasher, washing machine, and food storage techniques.
With a student population of 280, over 75% of students rely on the snack program, and 100% participate in the monthly cooking activities. “Food insecurity should never deter a family from sending their children to school,” says Hilpert. “Our program ensures all students receive the nutrition they need to focus on learning.”
Through the PCCC Power Full KidsTM Equipment Fund and Grow & Cook programs, the school has been able to purchase vital kitchen tools, including a stainless-steel prep table, a full-sized refrigerator, blenders, and baking sets. These resources have enhanced the learning experience, allowing students to prepare a variety of nutritious meals and snacks from scratch.
