The women who make a difference every morning in our programs 

On March 8, we celebrate the strength, compassion and leadership of women everywhere. In schools across Canada, from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, extraordinary women go above and beyond for children, one breakfast at a time. 

They may not always stand at the front of a classroom, but every morning, they play a key role in their school communities. 

Spotlight on the incredible women behind school nutrition programs in Canadian communities 

Across our provinces and communities, women are leading school breakfast programs that ensure children begin their day nourished, welcomed and ready to learn. 

In Spruce Grove, Alberta, Barb is described as the heart of her school’s meal program. She doesn’t just prepare food; she creates a welcoming and inclusive space where students can access breakfast and lunch with dignity. Because of her, children have the nourishment they need to focus, regulate their emotions and succeed academically. 

In Trail, British Columbia, Chantal goes above and beyond to make sure students have nutritious options every day. Some mornings, students hurry through the doors to grab a smoothie, a bagel, a warm breakfast sandwich, or whatever delicious option awaits them. If a child is having a tough day or simply needs an extra snack, Chantal is always there. 

In Florenceville, New Brunswick, Angel’s official title may be lead custodian, but to her school community, she’s so much more. When volunteers can’t make it, she steps in. She organizes, prepares, prints forms and orders food. She even makes lunches for students who forgot theirs. Her priority is simple: to make sure every child feels full, safe and cared for. 

In Thunder Bay, Ontario, Cindy has been ensuring students start their day with breakfast for over a decade. She doesn’t just serve meals; she invites students to take part by tallying meals and serving their peers, giving them opportunities to develop their leadership skills and confidence along the way. 

In Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island, Janice volunteers week after week, despite not having children or grandchildren at the school. On Mondays, she often arrives with homemade fruit kabobs or oat cakes simply because she wants to bring joy to the students’ mornings. 

In Saint-Lucien, Quebec, Andréanne welcomes students each morning with warmth and creativity. She listens, reassures them and organizes special themed breakfasts and holiday brunches. Her kindness transforms a simple meal into a moment of belonging. 

And in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Val greets every student with an infectious smile. For many, she’s their first point of contact of the day. When attendance begins to wane, the breakfast room becomes an incentive, and Val becomes the reason students walk through the doors. 

Honouring the women making a difference this International Women’s Day 

Different provinces.
Different roles.
One shared impact. 

These women are custodians, coordinators, volunteers, support workers and mentors. They’re leaders in their communities who understand that access to nutritious food supports emotional regulation, academic performance and overall well-being. 

Because when a child starts off their morning with nutritious food and kindness, everything becomes possible.