The School Lunch Association has been helping hungry children since 1989 and is the largest school lunch program in Atlantic Canada. Approximately 2,700 students in 11 elementary schools in the St. John's area have access to the school lunch program regardless of their family's ability to pay.

On any given school day, the School Lunch Association serves approximately 1,500 lunches out of 1 central kitchen and 2 satellite kitchens, employing 17 people. To appeal to the childrens' different tastes the employees prepare well-balanced nutritious meals for a diverse monthly menu.

By sending home a monthly menu and envelope, parents are involved in what their child eats each day at school. To remove any stigma that might be associated with being provided a lunch, all children in the school are given a menu and envelope to be delivered to their parent(s) or guardian(s). The actual amount contributed by each family remains confidential.

Statistics have shown that children find it very difficult to concentrate on schoolwork when their stomachs are empty, and often become tired and act out in class from frustration when hungry. Observations from teachers and principals in participating schools have indicated that attention span, behavior, and attendance improve when kids are fed.

The School Lunch Association relies on support from the community for financial resources. Parents and guardians in participating schools are the largest supporters of our program, contributing 45% of our annual revenue. Government gives 12% funding. And corporations, individuals, and fundraising activities generate the remaining 43%.