Finding flexibility in Northern B.C.
Last updated on March 13, 2025Two school districts in Northern BC are using Feeding Futures funding to find flexible solutions for their school food programs.
Problem solving locally
Providing school meals in Northern B.C. comes with unique challenges—supply chains, food storage and delivery logistics can be difficult in remote areas. The Prince George School District (SD57) and Nechako Lakes School District (SD91) are tackling these issues with some locally tailored solutions.
The strategy
With Feeding Futures funding, schools received new fridges and freezers, allowing food to be delivered and stored on-site. The districts also partnered with Shoppers Foods Wholesale, a supplier that serves the north. Food is now delivered to all schools in the districts, with the help of partners like Shoppers Foods Wholesale and The Link non-profit society. With the investment in infrastructure in 2023/24, food can now be stored and then prepared as needed throughout the week. Additionally, the school districts collaborated with other stores, local farmers, bakeries and food companies to source fresh ingredients.
The result
This new approach has freed up staff time, allowing for more variety in meal offerings and time for food literacy activities and special nutrition events. By combining their purchasing power, the districts can negotiate better deals with Shoppers Foods Wholesale, like providing school-friendly food options in the right portion sizes. “There has been some education with them to not ship the 0% yogurt”, laughed Robyn Turner-Klopper, Registered Dietitian and Food Program Manager in SD91. But the wholesaler has been responsive to the districts’ needs, and they have adjusted their stock accordingly.
Students love the variety. Special food days, like breakfast for lunch, have been a big hit! Families and Indigenous partners are so thankful that more kids are getting fed quality meals. These two school districts have even found creative ways to cut costs, such as having local sports teams transport food from suppliers in the lower mainland instead of paying hefty shipping fees.
Breakfast for lunch, sourced almost completely from Vanderhoof
Running a successful school food program isn’t just about food—it’s about building relationships and problem solving daily. As Monica Berra, school food coordinator for SD57, told us, “Making the first phone call to the vendor was hard. We didn’t know what we didn’t know.” But they have built strong partnerships in the north and these relationships are what keep the program sustainable for the long run.