Dignity for every child
Every child deserves to enjoy lunch without feeling different. Our non-stigmatizing, pay-what-you-can program keeps family contributions confidential, so no child is singled out.
Our story
{{ years }} years of feeding futures
What began as 147 hot lunches at one St. John's school is now 7,100 meals a day across Newfoundland & Labrador. The idea has never changed: every child eats, no questions asked.
"Many children were missing school simply because there wasn't enough food at home."
Our journey began in 1988, when an interchurch group in St. John's published a report called Poverty: The One Thing Money Can't Buy. It revealed a stark reality: hunger was keeping children from school.
A committee formed, backed by the provincial government. On November 6, 1989, 147 hot lunches were served to every student at Bishop Feild Elementary. No questions asked, no child left out.
That small act sparked a movement. Today the School Lunch Association is a registered charity feeding children across the province. Our pay-what-you-can model ensures every family can take part, and every contribution stays confidential.
Support our work →1988
The report
"Poverty: The One Thing Money Can't Buy" names hunger as a barrier to education.
1989
First lunch served
147 hot meals at Bishop Feild Elementary on November 6th. The program is born.
2010s
Growing across NL
From the Avalon to Clarenville and Gander, the program reaches dozens more schools.
Today
7,100 meals a day
47 schools. Every child included, every school day, still pay-what-you-can.
WHAT GUIDES OUR WORK
More than just a school lunch
Every child deserves to feel included, nourished and ready to learn.
A nutritious lunch today… a promising tomorrow.
147
lunches on day one, 1989
7,100
meals every school day now
47
schools across the province
$6
requested, pay what you can
Be part of the next {{ years }} years
Find your school's menu, give a hand, or join the team. Every bit keeps lunch on the table.