Consistent access to nutritious food is essential for children to thrive. Yet Canada is the only G7 country without a universal school food program. When people imagine school meals beyond the packed lunch from home, they often think of pizza or hot dog days—fundraisers organized by Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), typically hosted once or twice a month.
About 15 years ago, some Comox Valley PACs, with the help of Farm to Cafeteria Canada grants and countless volunteer hours, introduced school-based salad bars featuring fresh, seasonal produce. These programs fostered community and belonging while offering students the freedom to make personal choices about their meals. However, they were limited in scope and unable to meet the growing need for consistent, daily access to low-cost meals.
When students returned to in-person learning during COVID-19, community-wide food insecurity was on the rise due to the increased cost of food. Recognizing this, Comox Valley Schools organized programs to feed students with the help of parent volunteers, community members, and school district staff. These grassroots efforts provided daily access to food for students and highlighted the potential for dedicated funding that would reduce stigmaand enhance food equity across all schools in the Comox Valley.
Advocates have pushed for change for decades, and in early 2023, progress was finally made. BC’s Ministry of Education and Child Care announced Feeding Futures, a school food program fund that allocates $1.14 million annually to Comox Valley Schools to create and expand school food programs.
Assessing needs & bridging gaps
In September 2024, the Ministry asked school districts to evaluate existing food programs, kitchen facilities, and service gaps. The scan revealed key challenges. Only one secondary school in the Comox Valley, GP Vanier Secondary, had a full cafeteria. The popular salad bar at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary had ceased operation in March 2024 due to the lack of a volunteer coordinator. Two community schools, Courtenay Elementary and Cumberland Community, offered universal food programs coordinated by their school societies. Some schools managed breakfast and lunch programs with support staff, while others ensured food and snacks were readily available through a variety of methods. A “one-size-fits-all” solution wasn’t feasible for this geographically large district, which includes schools on Hornby and Denman Islands. The variety of approaches and available facilities underscored the need for tailored solutions that best meet students’ needs.
The district’s approach became clear: support each school to meet its specific needs, and use creativity to fill gaps. For instance, the district hired a food service worker to assist with programs at Valley View Elementary and Isfeld. Glacier View Secondary had faced challenges in providing adequate food programming, with food pieced together by the principal and support staff. After a dedicated staff member was hired, nutrition and food availability have improved significantly—and support staff can focus on being in classrooms. Another worker was brought on to support Highland Secondary’s bagged lunch program and Aspen Park Elementary’s breakfast and lunch services, while also meeting Brooklyn Elementary’s needs by pooling resources and preparing sandwiches.
While these programs are effective, they remain largely reactive, providing food when requested.
A pilot universal program at Arden Elementary
In late 2024, the district identified Arden Elementary as the site for a universal, pay-what-you-can lunch program. With the support of Principal Andrew Ferneyhough, Vice-Principal Teresa Cameron, staff, and the PAC, the program launched on January 6, 2025.
This initiative stands out for its universal nature and pay-what-you-can model. Every student is offered the same meal, regardless of their ability to pay. Parents order meals online, choosing how much to pay—whether it’s the full amount, nothing, or anything in between. Payment details are anonymous and unlinked to student orders, which promotes privacy and dignity for all families.
Meals are nutritious and varied, including a mix of locally catered and in-house creations. Having a dedicated food staff member on site allows the flexibility to meet individual needs and build meaningful connections while offering unique learning opportunities for students of all ages.
Though still in its early stages, the program has already shown promise. Parents have expressed appreciation for its inclusivity and affordability, while students enjoy the variety and quality of meals. With the data and information gathered from Arden, the district hopes to expand similar programs to other schools across the Comox Valley. Challenges remain, including limited kitchen facilities in some schools and the ongoing need for additional funding. But the hope is that one day, students in every class will eat the same meal at the same time, fostering a sense of equality and community.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact
Thea Cockerton, Food Services Coordinator,
Comox Valley Schools (thea.cockerton@sd71.bc.ca) or reach out to your local PAC or community school society.
The ultimate goal is for the district to offer
proactive, universal access to nutritious, affordable, and stigma-free meals to all students.
