Commitment and cultural sharing in schools: An initiative by Sodexo

As a national partner of Breakfast Club of Canada for the past five years, Sodexo actively supports Indigenous communities through a dedicated annual donation. On January 29, this commitment was reflected in a visit to Lévis-Sauvé elementary school in Verdun, where students had the opportunity to take part in a unique and rewarding cultural experience.

On this occasion, chef Paul Natrall, Sodexo’s Indigenous Ambassador, joined several Sodexo employees in a volunteer activity, engaging directly with the school community. His goal was to foster genuine connections with the children while sharing the richness and traditions of Indigenous culture.

Discovering Indigenous culture at school through a bannock workshop

An educational and tasting workshop dedicated to bannock was a natural choice as a special way to pass on cultural knowledge, spur discussion and enjoy a meaningful human experience, both for the children and for the Sodexo team.

This activity went far beyond a simple tasting. It was an opportunity to learn about a different culture, its traditions and its history, through a unifying symbol such as bannock.

An immersion in Indigenous traditions for children at school

This experience at school proved to be very enriching. The children were open, enthusiastic and eager to participate. Their many questions and curiosity led to authentic exchanges with chef Paul.

’Above all, this initiative reflects what’s important to us: sharing, passing on and respecting cultures. By cooking and sharing food, we’re also sharing the stories and traditions that go with it. This creates natural bonds and promotes discussion and understanding between people,” said Marie-Josée Beaupré, Registered Dietitian and Director, Culinary, Nutrition & Sustainability Services at Sodexo.

Passing down indigenous knowledge: learning through cooking and sharing

Inspired by the role of grandmothers as guardians of knowledge and traditions, this activity highlights the importance of passing on this knowledge to younger generations.

“It’s important to present all aspects of a culture. Seeing, reading about, listening to and tasting a culture helps us better understand it. Experiences like these foster stronger connections and contribute to a more inclusive community,” said Diane Leblanc, a grade 6 teacher at Lévis-Sauvé elementary school.

A committed partnership to ensure food security and children’s well-being

We are privileged to be able to count on the support of partners such as Sodexo.

“What unites us deeply are our shared values and mission to combat food insecurity. The Club takes action where it can make the biggest impact: with children and communities, promoting equal opportunities, educational success and long-term well-being. This approach is fully in line with our commitment to generating a tangible and sustainable social impact rooted in local realities,” said Julie Martel, Senior Manager, Culture & Belonging – Stop Hunger Foundation at Sodexo Canada. “Engaging with the Club means actively participating in sustainable solutions that go beyond immediate aid. It means supporting structural programs that strengthen communities and have a positive long-term impact. Our motivation lies in this ability to transform solidarity actions into levers for social change, which encourages us to fully commit ourselves alongside Breakfast Club of Canada.”

Our heartfelt thanks to out to Sodexo for making this unique cultural and educational activity possible for the students. Through its ongoing commitment, Sodexo helped create a meaningful space for discussion, discovery and a connection to Indigenous culture within the school community, offering young people an educational experience with a human touch.