Grant provides essential kitchen supplies at St. Patrick’s High School
Posted: August 10, 2025
Categories: nourish to flourish / Schools
St. Patrick’s High School
Ottawa, Ontario
Our school consists of Grades 7-12. We are located in Ottawa South and have a school population of 1636 students. Our $500 grant allowed us to purchase equipment for our school breakfast / snack program and our garden project that will be started in September 2025.
The purchase of essential kitchen supplies such as new knives, cutting boards, bagel cutters, salad spinners, colanders, bowls and food bins has significantly enhanced the program’s effectiveness and efficiency.
One of the most noticeable benefits has been the improvement in food quality and variety. As an example, prior to the equipment purchase, staff were limited as to what fresh fruit we could offer. Due to staff now having access to more kitchen items (such as the salad spinner), we are now able to offer a wider selection of healthy food choices such as berries and grapes (which can be washed and dried quickly in the salad spinner). The new variety in our offerings has contributed to an increase in student participation and excitement.
Operational efficiency has also greatly improved. The new equipment has reduced the time required for food preparation and service, allowing staff to serve more students in a shorter time frame. This is especially important in our school with limited time between morning arrival and the start of classes. The reduced preparation time has also eased the workload on volunteer staff.
The investment in equipment has also fostered the improved capacity to store food safely. The purchase of heavy duty bins with lids allowed us to create safe storage of our school’s “Snack Stations”. Our Indigenous Student Association was excited when approached with funds to purchase supplies for a gardening initiative they will be starting in September 2025.
In addition to the tangible benefits, the upgraded program has had a positive impact on the school community. Having the opportunity to provide more of a variety of nutrient rich foods in a welcoming environment has helped to create a sense of inclusion and support, particularly for students from food-insecure households. The addition of supplies to our programs shows a commitment to student well-being and equity and actively supports the long-term academic and social development of students.