A few years ago, Breakfast Club of Canada created the Nutrition Committee to help guide the decisions made by the organization and breakfast programs across the country about food and nutrition. At the moment, the committee is made up of four of our employees. We asked them to tell us a little more about who they are and what they do.
Who are the members of the Nutrition Committee?
The Nutrition Committee is part of the Programs team. All four members are nutrition experts who bring a host of other essential and complementary skills to the table.
Kirstin Berrington
Programs Coordinator, based in BC.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2023.
“I have a nutrition degree, and I’m a health educator and yoga instructor. While studying human nutritional sciences at university, I became interested in international nutrition. I received a scholarship to travel to India, where I conducted research and wrote my thesis on the diabetes epidemic. I approach my work from a global health perspective, and I have previous experience working for several non-profits as a nutrition education facilitator. I am now excited to focus my knowledge on supporting healthy food environments in schools across Canada.”
Lauriane Chamberland
Programs Coordinator, based in Quebec.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in August 2023.
“As a member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec, I explore the world of nutrition with a particular interest in public health, food insecurity and international nutrition. During my academic journey, I took part in several internships, including two projects aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in Africa. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to addressing public health challenges in nutrition. As I embark on my career as a dietitian and programs coordinator, I am proud to be part of the Nutrition Committee. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives promoting nutrition and well-being within our Canadian school community.”
Catherine D’Amours
Senior Programs Advisor, in charge of the Nutrition Committee, based in Quebec.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Graduate Certificate in Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2020.
“What drives me is the promotion of sustainable food practices and collective initiatives with a social impact. I take a systemic approach to nutrition, encompassing aspects such as mealtime settings, social interactions around food, traditions and food origins. Within the Nutrition Committee, my goal is to contribute to solidifying Breakfast Club of Canada’s position as a leader in the field of school nutrition. More specifically, I hope to create a space for sharing and learning with my fellow committee members so we can establish clear nutritional guidelines based on scientific data and best practices in the field.”
Taelyr Keeley
Programs Coordinator, based in BC.
International Development Degree, working on a Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2023.
“I am interested in all aspects of food justice, food sovereignty, sustainable food systems and human rights. I am a food justice advocate fighting for the right to good food. We can create a more activated, sustainable, equitable and dignified food system through the right to good food. I am also a member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council.”
The members have hands-on experience working closely with school communities to coordinate various initiatives. This gives them unique insight into school food programs and how they are run. Their collective knowledge spans numerous disciplines, including child and community nutrition, food justice, public health and nutrition education.
How does the committee operate?
The Nutrition Committee meets regularly to make ongoing progress on multiple fronts. Nutrition is a science where there are plenty of grey areas, so their professional opinions count for a lot. Their discussions can be very spirited and enlightening, which inevitably makes the resulting decisions and recommendations that much more meaningful and relevant. In addition to supporting the teams within BCC, the committee is delighted to work with other nutrition professionals and organizations.
What is the role of the Nutrition Committee?
They ensure consistency of the messages conveyed by Breakfast Club of Canada in terms of food and nutrition, thus cementing BCC’s position as a leader in the field. They also provide recommendations and offer their expertise and support for BCC’s nutrition-related activities, relying on recent and recognized scientific data, best practices in food and nutrition, and their own expertise.
Among the tasks entrusted to the Nutrition Committee are the following:
- Identifying needs with regard to nutrition-related resources and tools, and subsequently developing and updating materials for schools, partners and internal teams in line with these needs
- Creating nutrition-related content for newsletters sent to schools in the BCC network
- Working with other departments on various food and nutrition projects
- Assessing products and menus for the Quebec warehouse and community projects across Canada
- Sharing their nutrition-related knowledge with BCC coordinators through training and other channels.
How does the Nutrition Committee provide support to breakfast programs and program coordinators across Canada?
To start, they have produced a set of nutrition guidelines for coordinators and schools alike, which serve as the foundation for all actions and decisions undertaken in this regard.
The Nutrition Committee also works directly with breakfast program coordinators and school teams to develop a wealth of useful resources and activities (tools, recipes, blog posts, virtual open-house events, etc.). Providing nutrition training to program coordinators on a wide range of topics is another aspect of their duties.
What is the committee’s approach to nutrition?
The Nutrition Committee is committed to fostering the well-being of students across the country by providing a positive, nutritious and culturally diverse food experience at schools.
Their approach is rooted in the belief that balanced nutrition is vital to children’s academic achievement, physical health and overall well-being.
Spotlight on Green Initiatives in Time for Earth Day!
At Sainte Agathe Academy, a K–11 school in the Laurentians region of Quebec, they like to do things a little differently. The environment has been a top priority for the school’s breakfast program since it was introduced in 2021.
Disposable supplies have never been part of the program, and funding was secured for a composter and compost containers for table scraps. And what is the compost used for? To fertilize the rooftop garden above the gymnasium, naturally! The Academy has opted for financial support from BCC, which means they purchase their own food products. They buy local whenever they can and make it a point to deal with nearby partners, such as the school’s caterers and Bourassa Alimentation, a wholesaler specializing in fresh produce and other foods sourced in Quebec. Plus, some of the eggshells, peels, rinds and more are set aside in reusable containers for one of the teachers to feed to her goats at home!
Something else that makes Sainte Agathe Academy stand out is the active involvement of students in numerous environmental initiatives. A dozen high school students who belong to the Green Club are in charge of ensuring that waste is managed as sustainably as possible, and gardening duties are carried out by 15 kindergarteners and 18 Secondary I students who are members of the Garden Club. The school’s garden grows beans, cherry and full-sized tomatoes, an assortment of herbs, strawberries and other things used in the breakfast program. Some of these plants are actually seeded in the classroom in cutout milk cartons before being transferred by students to the garden.
In addition to the students, there are several other staff members to thank for these wonderful environmental initiatives. The breakfast program coordinator, Chantal Paquin, would like to thank Nicole Joanette (assistant), Claire Langlois (volunteer), Mélanie Bow (volunteer), John Depitria (volunteer and former student), Barb MacAulay (volunteer), Craig Duguid (janitor), and Sandra and Joe Morselli (caterers) for all their help.
Cooking with Kids: Tips for Successful Involvement
Involving children in cooking can be a rewarding experience for everyone concerned. Not only can it help develop students’ culinary skills, but it can also foster resourcefulness and encourage healthy eating habits. Here are some tips and tricks to increase kids’ kitchen IQ!
Establish a clear routine: Before starting the activity, take the time to explain the process so that everyone knows what to expect.
Choose simple recipes: Start with basic recipes suitable for their age. Recipes involving a small number of straightforward steps and easy-to-handle ingredients are ideal.
Give them responsibilities: Assign each child a specific task according to their abilities. This could involve stirring ingredients, measuring quantities, portioning mixtures, kneading dough, etc.
Create a safe environment: Ensure that the kitchen is a kid-friendly place by eliminating potential hazards such as sharp knives and hot pans.
Encourage creativity: Get children to express themselves by allowing them to customize certain recipes. For example, they can choose their own toppings for oatmeal or add their favourite fruits to a smoothie.
Make it fun: Play background music, wear matching aprons and create a positive atmosphere to make the experience of cooking together enjoyable.
Teach them about food hygiene and safety: Take this opportunity to demonstrate the basic rules of food safety, such as washing hands before handling food, cleaning surfaces, storing different types of food properly and more.
Explore new foods: Encourage children to try different flavours and textures. Talk about new foods, where they come from and how they grow. Try new recipes that reflect diversity.
Highlight their efforts: Praise and acknowledge them for their work. This will make them want to continue participating in culinary activities.
Involve them in the planning process: Ask for their input on what they would like to cook and involve them in menu planning. Encourage them to share recipes from different cultures. All of this can make them more excited about helping out.
Be patient and supportive: Cooking with children can be a bit chaotic at times, but remember that it’s a learning experience. Let them go at their own pace, encourage their efforts and have fun together!
Make the experience last beyond the activity: Share recipe cards with parents so that children can make the same thing at home. Discuss the activity and recipes in the school newsletter. Send a collection of the recipes used home at the end of the year. The possibilities are endless!
Minty Fruit Salad
This is the perfect recipe to start cooking with youth. It is simple, colourful and delicious.
Yield: 16 ½ cup servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Adapted from: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/228231/summer-fruit-salad-with-a-lemon-honey-and-mint-dressing/
Breakfast Club of Canada Welcomes the Government of Canada’s Investment in a National School Food Program
Toronto, Ontario, April 1, 2024 – Breakfast Club of Canada eagerly welcomes the historic announcement made by the Government of Canada today regarding an investment of $1 billion over five years for a National School Food Program. This significant advancement marks a turning point in the country’s commitment to the well-being of all children and will help make life more affordable for families across Canada while 1 in 3 children is at risk of going to school on an empty stomach.
Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer at Breakfast Club of Canada, as well as Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director of Government Relations were present alongside Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, during the official announcement event held in Toronto. Their participation in this event highlights the important role that the Club plays as a key school nutrition organization on a national scale.
Since its foundation in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has worked tirelessly to highlight the importance of a nutritious breakfast every morning for all children. The Club’s close collaboration with the Government of Canada, its public, community and private partners, as well as its continued dedication to improving access to nutritious food for students, helped pave the way for this important announcement.
“The creation of a National School Food Program is a major step forward for the well-being of children, especially after a few difficult years due to inflation and the pandemic. We are extremely proud that the federal government has recognized Breakfast Club of Canada’s expertise and dedication. This trust demonstrates the impact of our work and our long-standing commitment to ensuring that every school-aged child across the country has access to the nutritious foods essential to reach their full potential. Canada is now giving itself the means to allow all children to flourish and transform their dreams into reality,” comments Tommy Kulczyk.
“After years of collaboration and representation with the government, we are witnessing the start of an important transformation for the future of young people,” states Judith Barry. “Under the leadership of Minister Jenna Sudds, supported by the commitment of her predecessors and the significant support of our community partners, we are taking a crucial step. For too long, Canada has been the only G7 country without a National School Food Program. We are delighted to see that the government has finally understood the considerable impact that such a program will have on the well-being and future of children and their families. Today, the unmistakable winners are above all the children who will be able to benefit from nutritious food at school.”
Breakfast Club of Canada will work in the coming weeks and months with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, municipal and school administrations, Indigenous partners, as well as organizations already working in school nutrition, on the next steps to implement a National School Food Program.
National School Food Program Timeline
1994: Founding of Breakfast Club of Canada and implementation of the first breakfast program at Lionel-Groulx School in Longueuil (Quebec), reaching nearly 100 children.
2006: Implementation of the first breakfast program supported by the Club outside Quebec.
2007: Implementation of the first program supported by the Club in an Indigenous community (Schefferville, Quebec).
2010: Launch of the 1000th program supported by the Club in Canada, reaching more than 80,000 children.
2017: At the initiative of the Club, the 19th Global Child Nutrition Forum was held in Canada. At this time, the Club now reached 203,000 children in more than 1,500 programs across the country.
2019: For the first time, the federal government mentions a national school food program in the budget. The Club now reaches 243,000 children in 1,800 programs.
2021: During the federal elections, the Liberal Party of Canada included the establishment of a National School Food Program with funding of one billion over 5 years as an electoral promise in its platform.
2022: Consultations on a National School Food Policy were launched at a Breakfast Club of Canada event with the Karina Gould, former Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
2023: Publication of the What We Heard Report by the Government of Canada on a National School Food Policy and the introduction of Bill C-322 concerning the development of a national framework to establish a school food program.
2024: Official announcement regarding the creation of a National School Food Program. To date, the Club reaches 420,000 children in 3,000 programs, including 45,000 children from Indigenous communities.
About Breakfast Club of Canada
Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory across the country. To learn more, visit breakfastclubcanada.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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Source: Breakfast Club of Canada
Information: Eric Aach, eaach@national.ca, 514-569-3594
IT Director
Founded in 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing services and funding to school breakfast programs across the country. We work with partners from all sectors to deliver a high-quality national school food program. Together, we create a nurturing environment, where children and youth can access the nourishment they need to succeed and flourish. Our organization has grown tremendously over the years, but our desire to see children thrive has remained constant.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Breakfast Club of Canada is looking for an IT Director to play a strategic and operational role in the planning, delivery and management of technological projects to support the organization’s mission and objectives. The successful candidate will assume all management responsibilities related to his (her) area of activity, including administrative management as well as financial and material resource management of his (her) department, while ensuring compliance with deadlines, budget and quality. Reporting to the CFO, this person will supervise the members of the technology team and work closely with all other departments in the organization.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS
PERSONAL QUALITIES
WORK CONDITIONS
TO APPLY
Please email your résumé and cover letter to CV@breakfastclubcanada.org. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Breakfast Club of Canada promotes employment equity and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.
Happy International Women’s Day!
As we are celebrating International Women’s Day, Breakfast Club of Canada would like to highlight the work of breakfast champions and volunteers.
Every morning, they are up early and ready to make a difference in their students’ lives. In addition to offering them a nutritious breakfast, they create safe and welcoming environments where children can start their day. To mark International Women’s Day, we have asked schools from coast-to-coast-to-coast to nominate one of their breakfast champions. We are proud to recognize their efforts and want to thank each one of them for having a significant impact on children’s well-being!
Alberta (Edmonton)
Amina has been demonstrating a high degree of flexibility as well as the capacity to organize and take the time to do the best she can. She is a very caring person. All the students, teachers and staff of St. Teresa of Calcutta School are greatly appreciative of her dedication and commitment.
New-Brunswick (Florenceville)
Paula is the backbone of Carleton North High School’s breakfast program. Every day, she skillfully directs her staff of student assistants to provide nutritious items for over 150 hungry students. Thank you, Paula, for everything you do. You are an amazing team member!
Ontario (Mississauga)
Jamie ensures that the students have milk and nonperishable and perishable breakfast food items daily. She even began delivering fresh fruit and snacks to every classroom to ensure that those who arrive or get hungry later in the morning have an option.
Prince Edward Island (Pinette)
Lana is our breakfast champion. She always makes time in her day, often coming into school early, to bake, sort snacks and prepare breakfast bins for our students in kindergarten through Grade 9. We are beyond grateful for all the extras Lana does for our school and students. Thanks, Lana!
Quebec (Luskville)
Hélène is celebrating her 25th anniversary of being involved with the breakfast program this year. Every morning, with her crew of volunteers, she welcomes students with a smile and a delicious breakfast. She sets a great example for the school and the community!
Saskatchewan (Bienfait)
Theresa is an integral part of our breakfast program. She plans and orders all the food and spends her weekends prepping and baking for the upcoming week, so our students have healthy breakfasts every morning.
Nutrition Month 2024 Breakfast Club of Canada: Committed to feeding young bodies and minds in schools and communities across the country
Boucherville, Quebec, March 1, 2024 — As Nutrition Month gets underway, Breakfast Club of Canada would like to stress the importance of providing access to complete, nutritionally balanced food at school. Throughout the month, BCC will be sharing the keys to the success of the menus featured in breakfast programs and the educational support given to the school teams that run them.
Breakfast programs: Lessons in healthy eating
Given the current state of the economy, families are relying more and more on school communities for support in teaching their children about nutrition. Breakfast programs are an opportunity to introduce students to new foods and encourage them to recognize their own hunger and fullness cues. By giving them the tools to control what goes into their bodies, we are empowering them to become their best selves. Having a breakfast program in a school community is a great way to get more vegetables and fruits into children’s diets, and help them discover locally produced foods.
Nutrition guidelines: Information and inspiration
Breakfast Club of Canada is proud to have a Nutrition Committee, the members of which have developed a complete set of nutrition guidelines to guide breakfast programs in providing wholesome, nourishing morning meals. During Nutrition Month, the Club hopes to share its expertise with as many people as possible and raise awareness about why eating healthy is so essential for growing children.
BCC’s nutrition guidelines here.
BCC recipes here.
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For more information about Breakfast Club of Canada or to arrange an interview:
Hermanie Desrosiers, communications@breakfastclubcanada.org
Nutrition Committee: Expert Nourishing Support
A few years ago, Breakfast Club of Canada created the Nutrition Committee to help guide the decisions made by the organization and breakfast programs across the country about food and nutrition. At the moment, the committee is made up of four of our employees. We asked them to tell us a little more about who they are and what they do.
Who are the members of the Nutrition Committee?
The Nutrition Committee is part of the Programs team. All four members are nutrition experts who bring a host of other essential and complementary skills to the table.
Kirstin Berrington
Programs Coordinator, based in BC.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2023.
“I have a nutrition degree, and I’m a health educator and yoga instructor. While studying human nutritional sciences at university, I became interested in international nutrition. I received a scholarship to travel to India, where I conducted research and wrote my thesis on the diabetes epidemic. I approach my work from a global health perspective, and I have previous experience working for several non-profits as a nutrition education facilitator. I am now excited to focus my knowledge on supporting healthy food environments in schools across Canada.”
Programs Coordinator, based in Quebec.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in August 2023.
“As a member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec, I explore the world of nutrition with a particular interest in public health, food insecurity and international nutrition. During my academic journey, I took part in several internships, including two projects aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity in Africa. These experiences not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to addressing public health challenges in nutrition. As I embark on my career as a dietitian and programs coordinator, I am proud to be part of the Nutrition Committee. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives promoting nutrition and well-being within our Canadian school community.”
Catherine D’Amours
Senior Programs Advisor, in charge of the Nutrition Committee, based in Quebec.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Graduate Certificate in Management, Université du Québec à Montréal, Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2020.
“What drives me is the promotion of sustainable food practices and collective initiatives with a social impact. I take a systemic approach to nutrition, encompassing aspects such as mealtime settings, social interactions around food, traditions and food origins. Within the Nutrition Committee, my goal is to contribute to solidifying Breakfast Club of Canada’s position as a leader in the field of school nutrition. More specifically, I hope to create a space for sharing and learning with my fellow committee members so we can establish clear nutritional guidelines based on scientific data and best practices in the field.”
Taelyr Keeley
Programs Coordinator, based in BC.
International Development Degree, working on a Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems.
Joined the Nutrition Committee in January 2023.
“I am interested in all aspects of food justice, food sovereignty, sustainable food systems and human rights. I am a food justice advocate fighting for the right to good food. We can create a more activated, sustainable, equitable and dignified food system through the right to good food. I am also a member of the Vancouver Food Policy Council.”
The members have hands-on experience working closely with school communities to coordinate various initiatives. This gives them unique insight into school food programs and how they are run. Their collective knowledge spans numerous disciplines, including child and community nutrition, food justice, public health and nutrition education.
How does the committee operate?
The Nutrition Committee meets regularly to make ongoing progress on multiple fronts. Nutrition is a science where there are plenty of grey areas, so their professional opinions count for a lot. Their discussions can be very spirited and enlightening, which inevitably makes the resulting decisions and recommendations that much more meaningful and relevant. In addition to supporting the teams within BCC, the committee is delighted to work with other nutrition professionals and organizations.
What is the role of the Nutrition Committee?
They ensure consistency of the messages conveyed by Breakfast Club of Canada in terms of food and nutrition, thus cementing BCC’s position as a leader in the field. They also provide recommendations and offer their expertise and support for BCC’s nutrition-related activities, relying on recent and recognized scientific data, best practices in food and nutrition, and their own expertise.
Among the tasks entrusted to the Nutrition Committee are the following:
How does the Nutrition Committee provide support to breakfast programs and program coordinators across Canada?
To start, they have produced a set of nutrition guidelines for coordinators and schools alike, which serve as the foundation for all actions and decisions undertaken in this regard.
The Nutrition Committee also works directly with breakfast program coordinators and school teams to develop a wealth of useful resources and activities (tools, recipes, blog posts, virtual open-house events, etc.). Providing nutrition training to program coordinators on a wide range of topics is another aspect of their duties.
What is the committee’s approach to nutrition?
The Nutrition Committee is committed to fostering the well-being of students across the country by providing a positive, nutritious and culturally diverse food experience at schools.
Their approach is rooted in the belief that balanced nutrition is vital to children’s academic achievement, physical health and overall well-being.
Careers1
Carrousel Packaging and BCC: 20 Years of Love
The love story between Breakfast Club of Canada and Carrousel Packaging is an enduring one. At the end of 2023, we were proud to celebrate two decades of their support for the work we do.
The company has helped us in a variety of ways, and their support has evolved over time. They contribute directly to breakfast programs with packaging products that help us keep food fresher for longer. And their involvement in the past few years has also extended to our signature fundraising events. “The BCC team knows they can count on us,” said Brigitte.
Corporate donors like Carrousel are one of the reasons we’ve been able to keep our operations going for almost 30 years now. Their support has been instrumental in making sure thousands of children can start their school day with the energy they need to learn.
We are grateful for this special connection between our two organizations, which we hope will continue to flourish for decades to come.
In December 2023, we celebrated 20 years of partnership by inviting Carrousel President and CEO Brigitte Jalbert and members of her team to visit our warehouse in Varennes, Quebec, where they learned more about our facilities and our operations.
To learn more about our corporate donors, click here!