Saskatoon Schools Open New Kitchen to Serve 1,000 Daily Meals

Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) has unveiled a new production kitchen designed to prepare approximately 1,000 meals daily for students across nearly 60 schools in the division. The kitchen, situated within Lakeview Church, officially commenced operations on Friday afternoon, marking a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to enhance student nutrition.

The initiative aims to provide equitable access to healthy food, which SPS identifies as a critical factor in promoting student well-being. “Hungry students can’t learn,” stated Kim Stranden, chair of the SPS board. “This kitchen is an investment in our children, in education, and in our community. It will make a real and lasting difference for students who rely on school meals each day.”

The project was made possible through funding from the federal government’s Healthy Canadians and Communities and School Food Infrastructure programs. Additionally, support from the SPS Foundation and contributions from community partners, including CHEP, Lakeview Church, and the University of Saskatchewan, played a pivotal role in bringing the kitchen to fruition.

Addressing Food Access Challenges

SPS officials indicated that the new kitchen will serve as a central hub for meal preparation and coordination, particularly for schools where access to food remains a challenge. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all students have reliable access to nutritious meals, which is essential for their academic success.

As the largest school division in Saskatchewan, SPS serves nearly 29,000 students and employs about 3,300 staff across 58 schools. The establishment of this kitchen is expected to have a transformative impact on the lives of many students who depend on school meals for their daily nutrition.

SPS continues to prioritize student health and well-being, recognizing that adequate nutrition is vital for learning and development. The opening of this production kitchen is a significant step forward in creating an environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.