New Kitchen Opens to Serve 1,000 Daily Meals for Saskatoon Students

Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) has officially unveiled a new production kitchen capable of preparing approximately 1,000 meals daily for students across nearly 60 schools in the region. Located within the Lakeview Church, the kitchen was inaugurated on March 15, 2024, marking a significant advancement in the district’s efforts to ensure equitable access to nutritious food for its students.

The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing student well-being, as highlighted by Kim Stranden, chair of the SPS board. “Hungry students can’t learn,” Stranden stated. “This kitchen is an investment in our children, in education, and in our community. It will make a real and lasting difference for students who rely on school meals each day.”

Funding for the kitchen was secured through the federal government’s Healthy Canadians and Communities and School Food Infrastructure programs. Additionally, support from the SPS Foundation and local community partners played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition. Organizations such as CHEP, Lakeview Church, and the University of Saskatchewan contributed significantly to the development of this facility.

Addressing Food Access Challenges

The new kitchen will serve as a central hub for preparing and coordinating meals for schools that face challenges in food accessibility. With Saskatoon Public Schools being the largest school division in Saskatchewan, it serves nearly 29,000 students and employs around 3,300 staff across 58 schools.

By providing a steady supply of healthy meals, the initiative aims to combat food insecurity among students and foster a conducive learning environment. The kitchen will not only streamline meal preparation but also enhance the nutritional quality of the food offered, ensuring that students receive balanced meals throughout the school week.

As the school district continues to prioritize student health and education, the opening of this kitchen represents a proactive step toward addressing the broader issue of food access in the community. SPS remains committed to leveraging partnerships and resources to improve the overall well-being of its students, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in academic success.