Better Winnipeg: Fuel4School program helps kids get the nutrition they need

WINNIPEG — It’s a staple for every child at school. Yet some kids in Winnipeg’s inner city are missing it. A lunch.

But one group in the West Broadway area is changing that – and next week they are getting a big boost from a neighbourhood business that will go a long way in filling that need.

The Broadway Neighbourhood Centre (BNC) is a place for kids to meet up. But it’s more than just a place for them to play.

It’s also a place where they can learn about nutrition, thanks to their Fuel4School program that began a year ago.

The program helps give kids a nutritious lunch by them helping themselves.

“There’s a huge need for children to have better access to healthy food to keep them going during school,” said Annelise Schoppe the program’s Youth Nutrition Facilitator. “We also want it as another off shoot of all our other programming here at Broadway to attract more kids and really support the kids we already have here.”

Snacks and dinners are both offered Monday through Friday free of charge.

A typical week could see up to 30 kids – all of them with various reasons for being there.

“It could be instability at home or just not a lot of access to good groceries at home, maybe because the parents can’t afford it.” said Schoppe. “Some kids live in multiple households so keeping those different fridges stocked is really difficult.”

The kids are hands on in the kitchen.

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Not only do they learn about nutrition but cooking classes are also offered.

On Remembrance Day, Edward Carriere Salon will be donating 100% of their proceeds to the Fuel4School program.

“You know kids go to school and if they go to school hungry they’re not learning they’re more concerned about other things.” said Edward Carriere, salon owner.

Already an active member of the West Broadway community – Carriere took it upon himself to make sure the local rink, which now bares his name, is always properly flooded.

He says the pay off for him is immense.

“There are some kids that never really go the right direction but when you see a few that actually do and come back and say thank you years later that’s really the satisfaction.”

Better Winnipeg is a weekly feature that highlights people, events and organizations that make Winnipeg a better place to live. Share your story ideas with us at betterwinnipeg@globalnews.ca.