Almost five years ago, Dr. Lori Broker started talking to the principals of Squamish’s elementary schools about the educational needs of youngsters of grade-school age.
“Principals were telling me, ‘Gee, in addition to all the other duties, we need to be sure kids are fed properly so that they can learn,’” Broker said during a chat at her chiropractic office in downtown Squamish last Wednesday (June 25). “I said, ‘I can help with that.’”
The following fall, Broker revived the Squamish Breakfast Program, which had been going in various forms for several years. The Howe Sound Women’s Centre used to supply muffins to hungry students; later, Big Brothers Big Sisters took it on before it languished for a couple of years, Broker said.
Making sure students are adequately fed so that they can focus on learning seemed like a no-brainer to Broker. Still, many arrived at school without having eaten — or not having gotten enough to keep them going.
The Breakfast Program aims to fill their bellies — no questions asked. Any youngster who wants cereal, fruit juice and fresh fruit is welcome to partake, whether it’s his or her first or third breakfast.
And they’re doing so in increasing numbers. During the just-completed school year, some 30 Squamish Breakfast Program volunteers dished out 9,788 breakfasts at a total cost of $6,771.34. That compares to 7,870 breakfasts costing $5,430 in 2012-’13. Part of the increase is attributable to the addition of Valleycliffe Elementary School this past school year — meaning all six Squamish grade schools now participate.
In both years, the cost per breakfast served worked out to just 69 cents.
“We definitely bargain shop,” Broker said with a smile.
In both years, Brackendale Elementary School had the highest participation rate, accounting for almost half (4,837) of the total meals served.
Broker attributed that to a number of factors, including the mentoring by Grade 6 and 7 students of younger pupils to take part in the program and the fact that BES principal Paul Lorette has been “fabulous” in his support.
The school itself also has a convenient location from which to serve the breakfasts.
“There, it’s sort of become a place where the cool kids hang out,” Broker said.
Financially, the Rotary Club of Squamish has been a steadfast supporter — this year, it donated $3,000 of the $13,000 raised through the Linda Carney Memorial Challenge on Test of Metal day. Rotary also recently granted $5,000 in provincial gaming-grant money to the program.
In the fall, Broker hopes to add healthy juices from a company called Juice Plus to the mix. As well, she’s looking into the prospect of adding Don Ross Secondary School to the program.
Others are helping fill the gaps. The Squamish Helping Hands Society has a Brown Bag Lunch program for kids in need.
The Squamish Food Bank has also started a program that sees some youngsters take home backpacks full of food on selected weekends, Broker said.
“We all work together to help serve the need,” Broker said.
To donate to the Squamish Schools Breakfast Program, visit www.squamishchiro.com and click on “Our Community.”
To inquire about volunteering, email [email protected].
