INNISFAIL - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and thanks to the new breakfast program at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School, students are starting their day on the right foot.
“It's to help kids get through the day successfully, make sure they feel good and are getting what they need,” said Sherry Weaver, coordinator. “There's many, many advantages for the kids to come and know there's a breakfast here for them if they choose.”
The program began in September and although a trial period was introduced last year, it wasn't consistent, noted Weaver. This year the program runs three days a week from 8:15 to 9 a.m., Monday to Wednesday.
“Within a short time I have noticed quite an increase in students,” she added, noting the numbers went from three to about 40 students in the past several months.
“When we first started with the breakfast program in September there were very few students, maybe two or three students who were taking advantage of the program,” she said. “Now there's probably 40.”
That increase may be due to the caring community atmosphere the program provides for all students, she added.
“Students will see other students and they won't feel quite as intimidated to come in for breakfast,” said Weaver. “The ones that really need it are not feeling that they're the only ones.”
Volunteers assist with the breakfast program each morning and help collect much-needed donations, noted Weaver. Some of those come from Innisfail's Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church.
“Donations really help. We've been serving toast and fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, cereal,” she said, noting milk and juice are also provided.
The breakfast program is growing, she said, adding they hope to continue building the program.
“We will have to take into account (the amount of) donations because it is starting to expand. There's more children and more students eating breakfast,” said Weaver.
“There's a lot of kids that need a good breakfast. If there was no program, they would go through the day without their breakfast.”
To donate to the breakfast program call 403-227-2123 or visit St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School.
Sherry Weaver, coordinator
"Within a short time I have noticed quite an increase in students."
