Nutrition at Earl Oxford School

At Earl Oxford 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 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

Snack bowls are provided in classrooms for nutrition breaks. These baskets include a variety of items such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt tubes, along with a variety of other nutritious items. These snacks are available for any student.

Funding and Partnerships

Food purchased for student access is funded through a combination of government funding, Universal Nutrition Grant, Food for Thought, and the Child Nutrition Council. The Child Nutrition Council offers grants that schools may apply for to supplement government funding. Earl Oxford 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. Having the Universal Nutrition Program has helped to ensure all students have access to food.   We have been able to increase quantities and variety of foods for students.

Breakfast Program

Our breakfast program is financially supported by Food for Thought and our Universal Nutrition Grant. The Universal Nutrition Earl Oxford facilitator prepares food items that students can grab and take to their classrooms beginning at 8:30 a.m. Students have access to a variety of foods from different food groups provided to them daily. If a child comes to school after 9:00 a.m. and has not had breakfast, they are welcome to get cereal and milk from the office or items that were prepared that day.

Lunch Program

Our Lunch program is financially supported by Food for Thought and our Universal Nutrition Grant. The Universal Nutrition Earl Oxford facilitator prepares food items that students can grab and take to their classrooms beginning at 11:45 a.m. Students have access to a variety of foods from different food groups provided to them daily. If a child comes to school after 12:15 p.m. and has not had lunch, they are welcome to a sandwich from the office or items that were prepared that day.

Drink Machine

Our drink machine is used as a fundraiser to support referees for Grade 7 and 8 extracurricular activities. The machine sells items that adhere to the Moving Forward with School Nutrition Guidelines as well as Brandon School Division Administrative Procedure 2060.

Important Note

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