School Meal Program
Everyone Belongs at the Table
The School Meal Program (SMP) provides daily lunches and snacks to students across the Pacific Rim School District. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every student has access to nutritious, stigma-free food that supports learning, health, and well-being.
About the Program
The School Meal Program is made possible through:
- B.C.’s initiative (Ministry of Education and Child Care)
- Canada’s
- Community donations, which stay 100% local to our district
Meals are prepared fresh by our local food service partners — including Nourish Cowichan, Wickaninnish PAC, and the Bamfield Community School Association — with support from school staff and volunteers. Menus focus on whole foods, minimal processing, and local sourcing whenever possible.
Program Highlights
- Over 21% of students accessed the School Meal Program last year — a 10% increase district-wide.
- Major kitchen renovations at EJ Dunn Elementary and Wickaninnish Community School have expanded meal capacity and menu variety.
- Energy-efficient equipment upgrades are reducing waste and supporting environmental stewardship.
- Ongoing community support and volunteerism remain at the heart of this work.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
- Nourish Cowichan Society: With dedicated staff based in Port Alberni and Ucluelet, Nourish Cowichan provides daily lunches and snacks to students in these communities, ensuring all children have access to nutritious meals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- For more information and to volunteer: .
- Press Release:
- To Donate: . All donations to Pacific Rim stay in our region and directly help feed students in our district.
- Wickaninnish Elementary Parent Advisory Council (WEPAC): In Tofino, WEPAC collaborates at Wickaninnish Community School to serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
- For more information about the program, including donations and volunteering, visit: WEPAC or contact Ron Weeks at wickschoolchef@gmail.com
- For more information about the program, including donations and volunteering, visit: WEPAC or contact Ron Weeks at wickschoolchef@gmail.com
- Bamfield Community School Association (BCSA): Ensures all students at Bamfield Community School receive breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day.
- For more information about the program, including donations and volunteering, visit: .
Our entire school food team came together in September to reflect on the past year and share ideas for the future. This gathering highlighted not just the scale of the program, but the people who make it happen every day—from cooking and packing to delivering and serving.
How can my student access the School Meal Program?
Enrolling your student in the School Meal Program is easy! Simply contact your school secretary to learn more.
Our program operates on the principle that everyone is welcome, and no student will be turned away. Enrollment helps us plan and order food effectively to meet student needs. While provincial funding provides crucial support, community donations – whether monetary or volunteer time – are essential to bridging the gap and keeping the program running sustainably.
Get Involved
Our programs thrive through community support. Here's how you can help:
- Volunteer: Shifts are flexible. Contact us to learn more about delivering and preparing food.
- Donate: Contributions made to our partners are essential and directly fund meals for students. All donations stay in our region and help feed students in our district. Just $1,000 feeds a student for an entire school year. Tax receipts are available.
- Spread Awareness: Share the program's mission to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved.
For any QUESTIONS or to VOLUNTEER, contact Kirsten Nesbitt, Healthy Schools Manager, at knesbitt@sd70.bc.ca.
Stay Connected & Learn More
Follow on Facebook and on Instagram to see food stories, student connections, and community moments from across our district.
#EveryoneAtTheTable
Links:
