Genfo

Assiette de Genfo

Photo : Martie A Cooking ማርቲ ኤ, Pinterest

Dive into genfo, a hearty porridge made from barley, wheat and corn flour. It’s a traditional morning dish from Ethiopia that warms the body and comforts the soul.

 

4 servings

 

Ingredients 

  • 1 c. (250 ml) wheat flour 
  • ½ tsp. (2.5 ml) cardamom 
  • 2 c. (500 ml) water 
  • 1 tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil 
  • 1 tbsp. (15 ml) berbere (Ethiopian spice blend) 

 

Preparation 

  1. Add the cardamom to the flour and mix well. 
  2. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat and add the flour mix gradually, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming, until a consistent mixture forms. 
  3. Transfer the genfo to a medium-sized bowl and make a well in the middle. 
  4. Warm the oil and mix in the berbere. Pour the mixture into the well in the middle of the genfo. Serve while still hot. 

Breakfast from Around the World

Terre dans une assiette avec des aliments autour

 

Let’s take a scrumptious journey around the world to explore breakfast traditions that are as diverse as they are delicious! Breakfast across the globe differs from region to region and even from one community to another. Whether you try them for World Food Day or simply to expand your culinary horizons, these breakfasts will have your taste buds singing.

 

Australia: If you’re a fan of trendy café eats, Australian “brekkie” will make your morning. Picture sliced avocado on seeded bread or a nourishing farro bowl with a poached egg and pickled veggies. Delish!

Costa Rica: Try gallo pinto, a rice and black bean stir-fry topped with salsa, eggs, avocado and cheese. It’s a flavourful breakfast that’s sure to please. 

Egypt: Wake up to ful medames, a stew made from fava beans and chickpeas, spiced to perfection and served with eggs or pita bread. 

Ethiopia: Dive into genfo, a hearty porridge made from barley, wheat and corn flour. It’s a traditional morning dish that warms the soul. 

Iceland: Start your day with a shot of cod liver oil (yes, really!) or enjoy a hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with Icelandic skyr, a creamy dairy treat. 

India: Experience the regional diversity of Indian breakfasts, from fluffy idlis and crispy dosas to comforting poha and savoury upma. 

Jamaica: Start your day with ackee and saltfish, a unique breakfast scramble featuring sweet ackee fruit sautéed with salt cod, tomatoes and spices. You’re welcome! 

Japan: Experience the magic of a traditional Japanese breakfast, with a variety of small dishes such as rice, miso soup and seaweed. 

Lebanon: Discover the variety of a Lebanese breakfast spread, with flatbreads, labneh, eggs and more. It’s a feast for the senses. 

Mexico: Feast on chilaquiles, a mouthwatering dish of fried tortillas with salsa, beans and shredded chicken. Huevos rancheros are another must-try! 

Nigeria: Indulge in ogi and akara, cornmeal and bean cakes, served with fried eggs, plantains and yam. A true taste of Nigerian mornings. 

Turkey: Tuck into a delicious bowl of menemen, a traditional dish of eggs scrambled in olive oil with tomato, green peppers and spices. 

Ukraine: Sink your teeth into syrniki pancakes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Top them with fresh fruit for a sweet kick or go savoury with a dollop of sour cream. 

 

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that bowl of cereal, consider mixing things up with some of these options! These dishes aren’t just food; they’re a gateway to cultures, flavours and traditions from around the world. Bon appétit!

Results of an IRIS Study on School Food Programs

Additional arguments put forward in favour of a universal school food program for the province

 

Montreal, August 31, 2023 —The members of the Steering Committee for a Universal School Food Program in Quebec (PASUQ) expressed their concern about the data from a new study led by the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) confirming a significant school nutrition gap in Quebec and the rest of Canada. It is the members’ hope that this report on the current situation will accelerate thought leadership and help make a universal school food program a reality in Quebec. IRIS statistics show that only 12% of elementary school children have access to a school food program, compared to the 61% average among high-income countries. Food insecurity affects more than 1 out of 5 children in Quebec, or some 200,000 students in the public education system. Major government investments are required to close this gap.

 

“We can and must do much more to provide our children with healthy and affordable meals in all of our public schools. A universal school food program would have major beneficial impacts in terms of public health, the reduction of social inequalities, educational success, the economy and the environment, in addition to significantly reducing the mental burden on parents.” — Maëlle Brouillette, PASUQ Steering Committee Coordinator

 

Taking a page from other countries

The investments required to set up a universal school food program would be substantial yet comparable to those made in other jurisdictions, many of which are much less affluent than Quebec. And, as the PASUQ Steering Committee points out, a reasonable portion of these costs could be covered by parents.

“Feeding our kids shouldn’t be seen as an expense. It’s an investment. No fewer than 25 countries have a school food program in place that extends to all of their children. Close to a dozen more run a quasi-universal program that provides at least 75% coverage. What’s stopping us from doing the same for our own children?” — Maëlle Brouillette

 

About the Steering Committee for a Universal School Food Program in Quebec

The PASUQ Steering Committee brings together a number of partners working in the areas of school nutrition, food security, the environment, sustainable development and before-and-after-school care. The Steering Committee’s objective is to document, assess and analyze school nutrition practices and to use this information to issue shared recommendations leading to the implementation of a Quebec-wide school food program for all students. The initiative is being led by Breakfast Club of Canada and members of the Collectif québécois pour une saine alimentation scolaire, part of the Coalition for Healthy School Food.

For more information:

Maxime Bordeleau
TACT
Cellulaire : 819 698-3105
mbordeleau@tactconseil.ca

Discovering Plant-Based Proteins

It’s the beginning of a new school year full of flavours! Take advantage of this by trying new spring recipes and explore the virtually endless possibilities of plant-based proteins! At every meal of the day, protein foods should have a prominent place on your plate. Find out how vegetables can fill that role, even at breakfast.

 

Where can I find plant-based protein? 

Most foods that are derived from plants contain protein, some more than others. Nuts, seeds and legumes are the big winners in this category. These include sunflower seeds, beans, chickpeas, lentils and soy derivatives such as tofu. Whole grains such as wheat, quinoa and buckwheat also contain protein, but in smaller quantities.

Why eat plant proteins? 

Proteins are essential at breakfast and throughout the day. Not only do they contribute to the growth and development of body tissues, but they also help provide a feeling of fullness that allows you to regulate your hunger between meals.

As part of a balanced diet, Canada’s Food Guide recommends choosing plant-based protein foods every day. They are higher in fibre and contain less saturated fat than other protein choices, making them a healthy choice for young and old alike!

By opting for plant-based protein foods, you are also being environmentally responsible and doing your part to promote sustainable eating.  Sustainable dietary habits are those that are healthy for both the individual and the planet.

How do you incorporate plant-based proteins into your breakfast?

Some of the foods listed below may seem unusual, but don’t be afraid to use your creativity and step out of your comfort zone!

Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Replace scrambled eggs with scrambled tofu
  • Add soft (silken) tofu to your smoothies
  • Dip your fruit in a chickpea-cocoa dip
  • Replace your oatmeal with buckwheat porridge
  • Make  your ownbreakfast bars with a variety of nuts and seeds
  • Add chia seeds to your oatmeal
  • Incorporate chickpeas or lentils into your muffin, waffle or pancake recipes
  • Spread roasted chickpeas on toasted bread or crackers

You may also want to explore peanut-free spreads like soy-based Wowbutter! Check out our information sheet on the subject for more tips  on how to work these protein-packed alternatives into your menu: https://www.breakfastclubcanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/creative-ideas-soynut-butter_ang-2.pdf .

Have fun experimenting!

Black Bean Breakfast Tacos

Quick and easy to assemble, these tacos are a fun and wholesome breakfast option, with a plant-based protein that is sure to deliver a wallop of back-to-school energy!

 

Yield

4 servings

Ingredients

 

Black bean filling
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ⅛ tsp. (0.62 ml) ground cumin
  • 18 oz (540 ml) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 lime, zest and juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Scrambled eggs
  • 1 tsp. (5 ml) vegetable oil
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Tacos
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • Toppings of choice (chopped tomato, shredded lettuce, diced red onion, guacamole (or mashed avocado), fresh cilantro, corn niblets, shredded cheese, etc.)

 

Preparation

 

Black bean filling
  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the onion. Cook for 3 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for another minute.
  2. Stir in the black beans, along with the lime juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.
Scrambled eggs
  1. In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring, until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly
  1. Fill each tortilla with ⅛ of the black bean mixture and scrambled eggs. Add toppings of choice. Enjoy!

 

Adapted from https://www.healthymealplans.com/recipe-details/black-bean-breakfast-tacos

Back-to-School: More Children than Ever Need Access to School Nutrition Programs

BOUCHERVILLE, QC, Aug. 22, 2023 – Today, Breakfast Club of Canada is launching its important Back-to-School fundraising campaign to be able to meet the ever-growing demand for school nutrition programs.

Once again this year, the Club and its numerous partners will reach hundreds of thousands of children from coast-to-coast-to-coast and help them start their day with a complete and nutritious breakfast. A commitment that is all the more necessary as the current socio-economic situation is increasing the needs in the community as well as the cost of food and transportation that continues to rise. In recent years, the Club has seen a significant increase in schools across Canada requesting support for a complete school nutrition program. The number of requests to implement a breakfast program is constantly growing.

Furthermore, according to the most recent data from Statistics Canada, in 2022, 1.8 million children, compared to 1,4 million children in 2021, live in a food insecure household.

“At Breakfast Club of Canada, we are committed to our role as a national player in the school nutrition ecosystem across Canada, and we approach it each year with renewed ambition,” stated Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer at Breakfast Club of Canada. “Our Back-to-School fundraising initiatives are crucial as we are currently experiencing a perfect storm of obstacles making the number of schools wanting to provide nutritious breakfasts to their students increase each day.”

Throughout the upcoming year, the Club’s budget will only allow for the maintenance of existing programs with very few new programs in schools that will be put in place. Without the help of generous donors, partners and governments, the number of schools requesting support from the Club continues to grow.

“Our message is simple: as you prepare for the start of the school year, we ask that you take a minute to think about the children who will go to school hungry. We hope that a donation at the start of the school year becomes the simplest and most natural gesture of the back-to-school ritual. Indeed, providing breakfast at school is the easiest way to help all children reach their full potential,” explains Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Director, Government Relations at Breakfast Club of Canada.

Numerous Impacts of a Nutritious Breakfast

School nutrition programs are recognized for their many beneficial impacts on children, school environments and local communities. Members and partners of various initiatives, including the School Meals Coalition and the World Food Program run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, state that these programs, including breakfast programs, contribute positively to the education, health and well-being of children, as well as to economic development and to community food systems.

In fact, more than 900 schools recently reported to the Club that the most significant impacts they have observed through their programs include improving learning capacities and/or academic achievement (31.4%)*, meeting students’ basic need for food and/or reducing hunger (22.8%)*, ensuring students have reliable access to nutritious/varied meals/food (21.8%)*, building a positive school climate, positive relationships/interactions and/or a sense of community and belonging (19.7%)*, improved mental health, well-being, mood and/or behaviour (12.3%)* and providing a safe, inclusive and destigmatized environment (12.1%)*.

“Every day we see the real impact a nutritious breakfast can have on a child’s life,” says Judith Barry. “Never before has investing in school nutrition programs been so critical. It is for these reasons that we count on the support of individuals, our partners and governments to help children because success tomorrow starts with a breakfast today.”

The Back-to-School campaign, Breakfast Club of Canada’s largest fundraising campaign, will run until September 30, 2023. To donate online: visit www.breakfastclubcanada.org/bts2023/. To make a donation via text message: text CLUB to 20222.

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, Twitter and LinkedIn.

*Percentage of schools that reported this positive impact as the most significant.

For further information: Eric Aach, eaach@national.ca, 514 569-3594