Purposeful Changes: Reshaping a School Breakfast Program

What happens when a school nutrition program shifts from convenience to care? At Amisk Community School in Beaver Lake Cree Nation, the answer is simple: students show up excited to eat, try new foods, and start their day nourished and ready to learn.

Led by a school chef and culinary educator, Todd Cardinal, the program has been reimagined with a clear focus—balanced nutrition, appealing meals, and meaningful engagement with students. The approach offers practical, adaptable solutions that can inspire breakfast programs from coast to coast to coast. So, what are the key ingredients?

Start Small: Simple Swaps, Big Impact

Todd shared that one of the most effective changes made to the breakfast and school meal programs has been replacing highly processed foods with homemade alternatives. Instead of relying on prepackaged meals and sugary snacks, the program now emphasizes:

• From-scratch cooking to control ingredients
• Reducing added sugars by using options like honey or agave
• Incorporating whole ingredients like oat flour and fresh produce
• Offering balanced meals that include protein, grains, and fruits or vegetables

Even small adjustments Todd implemented, like flavouring oatmeal before serving instead of offering sugary toppings, can help guide healthier choices without sacrificing taste.

Make Breakfast Familiar

Rather than removing student favourites, the program reworks them a little bit:

• Pancakes, waffles, and French toast are made with more nutritious ingredients like oat flour.
• Breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and omelettes provide protein-rich options while keeping eggs on the menu.
• High-fibre cereals are offered alongside fruit and yogurt alternatives instead of high-sugar cereal options.

This “familiar but improved” approach ensures students feel comfortable while gradually experiencing healthier versions of the foods they enjoy.

Engage Students to Build Trust

A key lesson: students are more open to trying new foods when they feel heard and involved. Some success strategies implemented in Amisk Community School include:

• Talking with students and gathering feedback regularly
• Being visible in the school community
• Teaching cooking skills and food knowledge in classrooms
• Encouraging curiosity by answering questions about meals

Trust doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency and connection make a lasting difference.

Leverage Staff as Champions

Teachers and school staff play a powerful role in shaping student behaviour. Encouraging students to “try one bite” has proven to be a simple but effective strategy that staff can play a role in. When staff reinforce positive messaging around food:

• Students become more willing to try new items
• Conversations about food continue beyond the cafeteria
• Curiosity replaces hesitation

This collaborative approach strengthens the entire school food environment but it takes a collective effort.

Introduce New Foods Without Pressure

Expanding student palates doesn’t require dramatic changes. Instead, it’s about gradual exposure. The successes Todd has seen is largely due to ongoing efforts over time:

• Introduce global dishes alongside familiar foods
• Blend new ingredients into well-liked recipes
• Accept that not every new item will succeed

The key is persistence. Over time, students become more adventurous and open to new experiences.

The impact of this work reaches far beyond the plate. Through Todd’s leadership and persistence, students are not only nourished, they’re more excited to come to school, more engaged in conversations about food with peers and family, and more open to building positive relationships with healthy eating. Families are noticing the difference too, especially during community meals where trying new foods becomes a shared experience.

Todd’s approach is a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn’t require a full program overhaul. By focusing on small, manageable improvements, prioritizing relationships alongside food, and continuing to try, even when things don’t go as planned, breakfast programs can create lasting impact. More than a meal, these programs have the power to shape habits, strengthen community, and bring joy to the start of each school day.