Winnipeg School Division Nourishes Students with New Universal Nutrition Program

Winnipeg School Division launched its Universal Nutrition Program at Hugh John Macdonald School on December 13. 

The new Universal Nutrition Program will ensure that every WSD student has access to nutritious meals throughout the school day, regardless of their family's financial situation. 

The collaboration of the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the Schroeder Foundation has made this much-needed initiative possible. 

"This program will empower students to achieve success," stated Kathy Heppner, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Winnipeg School Division. 

"Winnipeg School Division is committed to ensuring students have daily access to nutritious meals. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and WSD, I thank everyone for their part in today's launch. We know this program will encourage, engage, and support our students to succeed."

Implementing the program has been a significant undertaking. "It has been a monumental task," acknowledged Matt Henderson, Superintendent of Winnipeg School Division. 

"Imagine opening dozens of school kitchens, adhering to strict health codes, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the division. The program has required immense effort and collaboration from our entire team. But the smiles on our students' faces when they enjoy a healthy meal at school make it all worthwhile."

It was both a launch and a celebration; Matt acknowledged the work and contributions of everyone involved.  

"We want to thank the federal government for their contribution and the provincial government for providing Winnipeg School Division with $4.78 million of funding to fund our school nutrition rollout. Thank you so much to Walter and Maria Schroeder for your generosity. You don't have to do this, and yet you do," said Matt Hendersen.  

The program's positive impact is already starting to show up.

"The schools are already noticing significant impact," Henderson added.

"Attendance is improving, and we've seen that through children staying at school over lunch and having stamina for the rest of the afternoon and the day."

The program will not just be about providing meals; it will nourish minds and create a brighter future for all WSD students.

WSD Nutrition Program Facts 2024/25

• Provincial funding: $4.78 million for 2024/25, supporting food, nutrition coordinators, and capital investments in school nutrition programs.
• Federal Funding: $1.1 million for 2024/25, specifically benefiting schools such as Champlain (N-6), Children of the Earth (9-12), DMCI (9-12), École Victoria-Albert (N-6), Elmwood (7-12), General Wolfe (7-9), Gordon Bell (7-12), and Weston (N-6).
• WSD Kitchen Renovations: $4.5 million for 2024/25 for renovations or new kitchens at Hugh John Macdonald, Isaac Brock, Isaac Newton, Niji Mankwa Strathcona, and William Whyte schools.
• Schroeder Foundation Contribution: $1.4 million over four years, including:
  • Capital Support (one-time donation): $50,000 each for Hugh John Macdonald, Isaac Brock, Isaac Newton, Niji Mahkwa, Strathcona, and William Whyte schools.
  • Food Donations: $40,000 per year for four years to Dufferin (N-6), Hugh John Macdonald (7-9), Isaac Brock (N-9), Isaac Newton (7-9), Niji Mahkwa (N-8), Norquay (N-8), Pinkham (N-6), Strathcona (N-6), and William Whyte (N-8).

The Universal Nutrition Program aims to create a more equitable and supportive learning environment for all students in Winnipeg School Division by addressing food insecurity.