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 Kids™ 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 Kids™ 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.
