Nutrition Program

Nutrition at Betty Gibson School

Nutrition Message link
At Betty Gibson School, we believe that nutrition is foundational to supporting active, healthy, and engaged learners. We are grateful for government and non-profit grant funding, which allows us to provide breakfast, snacks, and supplemental lunch items to students without barriers, judgement, perceived need, or stigma.

Our nutrition program is inclusive and responsive. We accommodate students with food allergies as well as religious and cultural dietary restrictions. All food items offered to students follow the Province of Manitoba’s Moving Forward with School Nutrition Guidelines.

Daily Access to Nutritious Food

Each morning, a snack bucket with a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (including yogurt, cheese, and milk) vegetables, trail mix, raisins, cereals, granola bars, and frozen yogurt tubes. is delivered to each of our classrooms. Students are also welcome to access snack items in the office as needed throughout the day to support their nutritional needs. These snacks are available for students who may not have brought snacks from home on a given day.

Funding and Partnerships

Food purchased for student access is funded through a combination of government funding, Food for Thought, and the Child Nutrition Council. The Child Nutrition Council offers grants that schools may apply for to supplement government funding. Betty Gibson School applies for this grant annually to ensure we are able to provide sufficient fresh fruits and vegetables, so all students have access when they need a snack or wish to supplement their lunch.

Breakfast Program

Our breakfast program is financially supported by Food for Thought. The breakfast program coordinator prepares food items that students can grab and take to their classrooms beginning at 8:30 a.m. Students are to enter at the east door if attending the breakfast program prior to 8:50am.

Students have access to cereals, milk, fruits, and vegetables during the breakfast program. If a child comes to school after 9:00 a.m. and has not had breakfast, they are still welcome and encouraged to ask for breakfast. We will always provide them with a healthy breakfast.

If your child would like to participate in the breakfast program, a form must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian prior to participation. This form is required for accounting and reporting purposes, as Food for Thought is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from community partners and support from the Child Nutrition Council.

Important Note

There is no judgement placed on the foods that families send with their children for snacks or lunches, provided that items do not contain allergens that have been identified within our school community.