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distribution capacity have enabled more schools to safely prepare 
and serve meals to students.
The program is supported through provincial funding, federal 
investments, and grants, helping to ensure continued growth and 
long-term sustainability.
Across the division, schools are bringing the program to life in 
ways that reflect their communities.

École Henri-Bergeron
In late November 2025, École Henri-Bergeron welcomed 
families into the school for an open house and student progress 
conferences. For many, it was their first opportunity to step into 
the new kitchen, quickly becoming a hub of connection, learning, 
and community.
The space sparked meaningful conversations between staff and 
families, opening the door to greater collaboration.
“Parents were excited to be engaged in preparing meals for students,” 
said Jeremy Bender, manager of the Universal Nutrition Program.
That enthusiasm has already sparked interest, with one parent 
offering to come into the school to cook jollof rice alongside 
students, creating a potential opportunity for cultural sharing and 
hands-on learning.
Sierra Cook, a Grade 7 teacher, is leading the design of food 
literacy activities that actively engage students in preparing 
lunches. Through this work, students are building leadership 
skills, gaining practical experience, and developing a deeper 
understanding of food and community.

Through the Universal Nutrition Program (UNP), food is 
available to all students, without barriers or stigma.
LRSD’s approach is universal, meaning every student can access 
food regardless of income or need. This removes stigma and 
ensures that no student stands out when accessing support.
To support this approach, LRSD has developed a centralized 
food system:
•	 A food service provider that supplies schools division-wide 
with a broad range of food options, and
•	 The René Deleurme Centre (RDC) Commissary, which 
prepares and distributes meals while supporting and 
expanding the work schools are already doing, rather than 
replacing their existing programs.
This model allows schools to access food, with flexibility to 
match their infrastructure, from those offering basic grab-and-
go items to those providing full meal programs. 
Menus are intentionally designed to support all students, 
including culturally relevant options and choices that meet 
the needs of neurodivergent learners. This ensures that food is 
accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the diverse identities 
and preferences within LRSD schools.
The program also prioritizes sustainability by reducing waste 
and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Across 
the division, schools are repurposing food-grade buckets for 
gardening, using milk dispensers to reduce packaging, and 
transitioning to reusable dishes and utensils wherever possible.
Since its launch in September 2024, the program has expanded 
rapidly. Increased infrastructure, health permits, and food 
In the Louis Riel School Division (LRSD), students have consistent access to nutritious food throughout 
the school day, supporting their well-being, readiness to learn, and ability to succeed.
NOURISHING OUR
COMMUNITY

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