The Human Touch: The Impact of the Club in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean  

In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, the Club’s breakfast programs are currently operating in 34 schools, which means a nutritious breakfast for over 4,300 children every morning. Several of these schools are located in Indigenous communities, like Mashteuiatsh, an Innu Nation community on the banks of Lake Saint-Jean.  

Mornings in Mashteuiatsh schools start with a smile and a nutritious breakfast. Thanks to Breakfast Club of Canada, elementary and high school students get the energy they need to learn as well as the human connection that makes all the difference. A dedicated team of specialized educators ensure their physical and mental well-being as the school day gets underway.

Elementary students: A calming moment in the classroom  

Every morning, breakfast is delivered to the elementary students in their classroom. The meal is prepared with care and attention by the school’s breakfast crew the night before. Each breakfast bin contains a variety of foods, which can include fresh fruit, dairy products, breakfast cereals, protein foods and more. A favourite choice in Mashteuiatsh is bannock* served with jam, cheese and raspberries.  

Breakfast is an opportunity for children to have some quiet time to settle their thoughts before classes start. This helps them stay focused for the rest of the day. After all, learning and socializing are best done on a full stomach.  

High school students: Strengthening connections before school begins for the day  

At the Mashteuiatsh high school, breakfast is a time for teenagers to interact with their peers. The food is served in a large common room where students can eat, play ping-pong or pool, catch up with their friends and talk to staff members.  

Specialized educators are there too to forge even stronger ties with the students they work with.  

Valérie Gagnon, a specialized educator at Kassinu Mamu High School, is one of the people who dons a breakfast apron in the morning: 

“I make breakfast for the students every day. Our first priority is to be there for them and see how they are doing from one day to the next. Our second priority is to make a nutritious and balanced breakfast for them so they can get their day off to a good start. Breakfast is a way to develop and maintain healthy relationships with students and provide support as soon as the day begins.” 

Her fellow specialized educator, Malika, who works with students in Secondary I and II, agrees: 

“By being there to serve them breakfast every morning, we are making sure nutrition is part of their day. Some of them are in too much of a rush to eat at home in the morning. Other families simply don’t have the means. Breakfast also lets them spend time with their friends before the bell rings and check in with staff.” 

Amanda, a specialized educator who works with special needs students at the same school, emphasized the importance of breakfast time in being more attuned to their needs.  

“What I really love about school breakfasts is that they give you a better idea of what’s going on before the day kicks off. We can connect with students and see how they are. We can find out where their headspace is and adjust our approach as needed.” 

A daily commitment that changes young people’s lives  

In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, breakfast programs are a wonderful example of how nutrition and a caring attitude can transform the daily lives of students. In Indigenous and other communities, this shared experience fosters inclusion, cultural appreciation and a sense of belonging. By integrating specialized educators at key moments like these, the Club is helping to build a secure and stimulating environment, where every student feels seen, heard and supported. 

*Bannock is a type of bread cooked on a griddle or in the oven. It’s a nourishing food that is an integral part of First Nations culinary tradition.  

—

Do you have a story about your experience with Breakfast Club of Canada? Your words could inform, influence and inspire! Please fill out this short form to tell us how the Club has impacted you. We can’t wait to read your story!