Nourishing students at FJ McElligott Intermediate Secondary School

Author: Sustain Ontario

Posted: July 6, 2026

Categories: nourish to flourish

At F.J. McElligott ISS, access to healthy food is not something all students can take for granted. As a small rural school serving a northern community where many families face food insecurity, our breakfast program often provides students with their most reliable source of nutritious food each day. The student population is around 160 students from grades 7-12.

When we were awarded funding through the “nourish to flourish” grant, it created an opportunity to expand beyond simply feeding students—we were able to educate, empower, and build long-term food skills within our school community.

With this funding, we focused on four key initiatives that made a meaningful difference:

1. Enhancing Food Access for Students
   A portion of the grant supported our ongoing nutrition efforts by ensuring students had consistent access to healthy food. This funding helped strengthen our existing breakfast program so that students could start their day ready to learn and succeed. Our students use our breakfast program daily and for many this is the first time they eat each day.
2. Developing a Food Literacy Program
   We introduced a food literacy initiative that focused on building awareness around healthy eating. Through posters, resources, and learning materials, students gained a better understanding of nutrition, balanced meals, and the importance of making informed food choices. These items will be used for years to come as part of our breakfast program and our classes on Food and Nutrition.
3. Launching a Hands-On Healthy Cooking Program
   One of the most impactful uses of the grant was the creation of a hands-on cooking program. Students learned how to prepare simple, nutritious meals on a budget, using real ingredients and kitchen equipment purchased with the funds. This experience gave students practical life skills they can carry beyond the classroom and into their homes. We partnered with the Metis of Ontario to offer a 3-session sheet pan meals to our grade 12 students. After completing the sessions, Kali said “I now feel more confident about moving out next year that I can actually cook healthy meals for myself. I won’t starve.” Students left the final session with equipment and recipes to make these meals when they move away in the fall. Our second connection was with our grade 8 students who learned 2 simple and nutritious meals they can replicate at home for their own families. Jerry said “I loved this opportunity, I like learning how to prepare food and I can actually cook a meal for my parents now.”
4. Building Capacity and Sustainability
   The funding also allowed us to invest in equipment and infrastructure that will support our programs long-term. By strengthening our capacity, we can continue offering food programs and learning opportunities for future students, ensuring the impact of this grant extends well beyond a single school year. We were able to purchase equipment such as a food processor (students learned about composting), air fryers (taught students how to make easy meals at home) and a food counter heater (provided a safer way to provide hot items in our breakfast program such as breakfast sandwiches).

The “nourish to flourish” grant has allowed us to move beyond addressing immediate needs and begin building long-term solutions. By combining food access with education and hands-on learning, we are helping our students develop lifelong skills that support both their health and their success.

Thank you to the team at “nourish to flourish” for supporting our young learners and impacting their life now and into the future.