CBC Quebec has initiated the Make the Season Kind campaign, an annual effort that highlights food insecurity while promoting kindness, generosity, and community unity across the province.
In the Eastern Townships, elementary school students recently returned hungry from a farm visit to enjoy a nutritious and diverse Salad Bar day menu, which includes various options like lettuce, eggs, meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables, with pickles being a popular choice.
Waterloo Elementary School, where the event takes place, offers free weekly Salad Bar days to educate children about balanced eating habits and provide a positive dining experience. Students, like seven-year-old Nathaniel Tapp, thoroughly enjoy the initiative.
The Salad Bar event, initially a pilot project for Grade 1 and 2 students, has expanded to serve all 127 students and staff at the school, with Cindy Elston leading the efforts to ensure its success.
Elston’s dedication has garnered support from the community, including local farmers who contribute fresh produce to promote healthy eating habits among children. The school believes that such initiatives can positively impact children’s mental health and academic performance.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive lunch program, the school is seeking partnerships with local farmers and distributors to offer a wider variety of food options. Farmers like Paul Sauvé from Shefford have stepped in to support the cause, providing food for special events and establishing donation structures for ongoing contributions.
Sauvé’s commitment includes a significant donation to the school and a vision for expanding the free Salad Bar initiative year-round. His generosity aims to inspire a culture of nutritious eating throughout the entire year.
The initiative has gained traction in the small community, with the hope of fostering a culture of kindness, healthy eating, and community support for the well-being of all students.