At Landing Trail School in Gibbons, Alberta, making sure students are well-fed and ready to learn has become a key part of everyday school life. Under the leadership of Principal Louise Loh, what began as a small, donation-based effort has grown into a structured, inclusive program that supports every child.
Not long ago, snacks were provided on a reactive basis through the school’s Parent Involvement Association (PIA) and generous community donations. Most items were shelf-stable and handed out as needs came up during the day. As the need continued to grow, the school applied for the President’s Choice Children’s Charity Power Full Kids™ | Eat Well program in 2024, making it possible to shift toward a more consistent, fresh food approach.
Today, about 350 students from Pre-K to Grade 4 benefit from the program. Each day, classrooms receive bins filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, dairy, and protein options. Because the program is available to everyone, access feels natural and stigma-free. Students simply help themselves, and the benefits are clear: they are more settled, more focused, and better prepared to learn.
A strong community partnership has helped make this possible. Mike’s Your Independent Grocer plays an important role in ensuring the school has a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food.
“We see these kids and families in our store every day—this is our community,” says store owner Mike Ward. “Being part of this program means we can help make sure local students have what they need to feel their best and succeed at school.”
There’s also a unique and much-loved member of the team: Boba, the school’s therapy dog. Boba often tags along on grocery runs and is known to “inspect” deliveries when they arrive. It’s a small detail, but one that brings a sense of joy and connection to the program, making it something students and staff feel proud of.
Back at school, Ms. Patti keeps everything running smoothly. From ordering and prep to organizing classroom bins, she’s at the centre of the day-to-day work. Students pitch in too, helping deliver and return bins, which adds a sense of routine and shared responsibility.
The changes have been noticeable. Visits to the office due to hunger have dropped, and students are making healthier choices on their own. One staff member shared that a student who used to ask for packaged snacks now regularly asks, “Can I have cucumbers today?” It’s a small moment that reflects a much bigger shift.
For Principal Loh, the reason for the program is simple. When students have what they need, they can fully take part in learning and in school life. At Landing Trail School, that starts with access to healthy food and a community that shows up for its kids.
To learn more about our Power Full Kids™ programs, visit https://www.pcchildrenscharity.ca/power-full-kids-at-school/
