Wednesday Bake Club
Posted: July 9, 2025
Categories: nourish to flourish / Schools
École élémentaire publique Mauril-Bélanger
Ottawa, Ontario
The vibrant halls of École élémentaire Mauril-Bélanger buzzed with a new kind of energy this past year, an energy cultivated not just in classrooms but in the very heart of the school – its kitchen. With a total of 267 students ranging from Pre-kindergarten to Grade 6, the school, nestled in a diverse, low-income part of Vanier, Ontario, has always strived to support its many families new to Canada.
This year, a vital grant transformed that support into something tangible and delicious: a deep-rooted understanding of healthy eating. The cornerstone of this initiative was the weekly snack preparation, affectionately dubbed the “Wednesday Bake Club.” From Grade 1 to Grade 6, students eagerly rolled up their sleeves, chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients, and learning valuable culinary skills. This hands-on approach made healthy eating not a lecture, but an adventure.
Beyond the weekly snacks, the grant funded essential upgrades to the school kitchen, ensuring they had all the necessary tools to prepare nutritious food. This foresight also solidified the future of their existing breakfast club, a crucial lifeline for many students who might otherwise start their day without the vital nutrients needed for a successful school day.
Perhaps the most exciting addition was the tower garden. This innovative tool brought the concept of local food and food literacy to life. Students watched in awe as plants grew vertically, understanding the journey of food from seed to plate and the benefits of supporting local producers. It was a powerful visual lesson in sustainability and healthy choices.
The success of the Wednesday Bake Club was undeniably fueled by a remarkable collaboration with the community and a dedicated volunteer chef. “Our students were so excited to have our Wednesday Bake Club. They would constantly go up to the teacher responsible of the club, asking different questions.”, said Mme Dutrisac. This community partnership was a shining example of how collective effort can nourish both bodies and minds, leaving an indelible mark on the students of École élémentaire Mauril-Bélanger.