Making sure students have access to nutritious food has always been a priority in the Sea to Sky School District (SD48). With Feeding Futures funding, SD48 has enhanced its meal programs by prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity.
In SD48, they strive to create a welcoming and inclusive food program where all students can enjoy nourishing meals at school without barriers or stigma.
The district has introduced several initiatives to ensure all students can easily access nutritious food in a welcoming environment:
School food programs in the district have undergone a cultural shift. They’re no longer seen as special interventions but as a natural part of daily school life. Students from all backgrounds take part, creating a stronger sense of community and openness to trying new foods.
“We’ve made reducing stigma and building school food culture a core priority,” says Meryn Corkery, school food coordinator for SD48.
Flexibility has been key, allowing programs to adapt to each school’s unique needs while staying focused on inclusivity. Staffing can be a challenge, but adaptability and collaboration help keep things running smoothly.
For those looking to make their food programs more inclusive, Meryn suggests connecting with districts in similar contexts. “Seeing what works elsewhere helps us tailor solutions to our own schools.”