Thanks to a government granted pilot program, RancheView School is able to fuel their students before the first bell.

Jen Barton, Secretary for RancheView, shares they are thankful for the grant which teaches children the benefits of healthy eating and how good nutrition positively affects their mind and body. 

While many schools offer a breakfast program to those in need, RancheView's is in inclusive. "We put it out to the whole school as community building. We also knew that it would be impossible for us to determine who actually 'needs' and there is such a broad spectrum of who needs this nutrition...we all do. There are many reasons why we are having kids access it."

Vegetables and fruits that are prepped, peeled, cut up and ready to go is what the school offers on a daily basis "We knew we wanted to have fresh fruits and vegetables that are easy for little kids to eat, if they can't peel an orange it is already cut up and ready to go we have carrots in the morning and apples. So all of those we just wanted to put out and kids could come if they needed, we just want that nutrition to get into the kids."

More than just healthy eating, Barton shares a big portion is all about building the school community. "We notice it in the morning, it's the liveliness. It's a nice welcoming way to come to school in the morning. Some kids grab it and go off to class while some kids grab it and sit in the common area and have it there."

Barton and Linda Smith, Resource Assistant, take time to also make healthy dips with chickpeas as well as nutritional breakfast cookies so kids get away from processed food. "We have taken time to make those and have them available because when it comes to processed foods you aren't controlling what goes into it. We also know processed foods are more expensive so when you have 160 to 180 kids you want to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck and the best nutrition into them that is available."

A portion of grant monies also goes toward educating parents and students about the benefits of healthy eating and how certain foods fuel our bodies and brains. Chef Barb Thomas made a visit this past week to discuss healthy eating tips with both students and parents through different seminars.

Just over 560 kids are registered in RancheView School and anywhere from 130 to 200 kids have taken part in the breakfast program. While that number may be high compared to other pilots currently running in other schools, Barton shares there is no stigma attached. "I know even for my own kids, it doesn't mean that 'oh wow, I never made it to the store' so there's nothing fresh, but if they go to school and see that there are apples and oranges, that's a highlight. Our bodies are made to want that type of stuff."

While the future of the breakfast program is not known past this year, RancheView is open to receiving both donations from families and the community at large.

The $15,380 Alberta Education grant was awarded to the Rocky View School Division with RancheView being chosen as a lucky recipient.