Creating a more inclusive environment at École Secondaire Catholique Nouvelle-Alliance
Posted: July 6, 2026
Categories: nourish to flourish
The “nourish to flourish” grant has made a tremendous difference in our school nutrition program and has positively changed the way students access food throughout the day. Before receiving the grant, only one or two students each day would come to get food. Students had to go to the main office and ask the secretaries for snacks or meals, which made the process uncomfortable and embarrassing for many students. Because the food program was mainly seen as support for students in financial need, some students felt ashamed or nervous about asking for help, even when they were hungry.
Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects many students and families. Students who do not have reliable access to food often struggle to focus, participate, and succeed in school. Hunger can impact a student’s physical health, mental well-being, energy levels, and ability to learn. Unfortunately, the stigma around needing help stopped the students from accessing our program that is designed to support them. Before the grant, this was a major challenge in our school community, as many students avoided asking for food even when they needed it.
Thanks to the “nourish to flourish” grant, our school was able to completely improve the nutrition program and make food much more accessible for everyone. The grant allowed us to purchase a fridge, a food cart, and a much larger variety of snacks. These additions helped us move the food program out of the office and into a more open and welcoming space within the school. Instead of having to ask an adult for food, students can now simply grab a snack whenever they need or want one. Students now have access to snacks all day long, making it easier for them to stay energized and focused in class.
The grant has also created meaningful learning opportunities for students in our special education classes, who have helped tremendously with the program. These students have assisted with the preparation of the snacks and stocking the food cart. Through their involvement, they have learned about food insecurity and how it affects individuals and families in the community. They have also learned about the importance of buying local food products and supporting local businesses, helping them better understand where food comes from and the positive impact local purchasing can have on the community and economy.
The results of the improved nutrition program have been incredible. Before the grant, only one or two snacks were distributed each day. Now, over 100 snacks are eaten daily by students across the school. The program is no longer viewed as something only for students in financial need. Instead, it has become a normal and positive part of the school environment that supports every student’s well-being. By removing the stigma around accessing food and making snacks available to everyone, the “nourish to flourish” grant has helped create a more caring, inclusive, and supportive school community where students can thrive.