Ecole West Park School in Altona runs a daily breakfast program, which is headed up by Guidance Counsellor Irene Hiebert. The program provides students who choose to kick-start their day with a nutritional snack.

“We noticed a number of years ago that we have some students come in the morning that haven't been able to get that nutritional break in the morning. Some due to lack of food at home, but many times its a long bus ride or their rushed in the morning.”

Along with the snack, Hiebert says the program provides students with a chance to connect with friends and staff

“We have some of the same students come every morning. They want to share a little bit of how their day has started or what has happened since the last time they were in school and certainly, in my role as Guidance Counsellor, it has been very beneficial.”

Farm Credit Canada presented Hiebert and the breakfast program with a $500 donation to help with the costs of the food. Hiebert says that any support is appreciated

“Any support helps, absolutely. Healthy Manitoba has some money we can access. Groceries are getting more and more expensive all the time. On occasion parents help us out by providing some fruit or bring us some funds so we can buy some groceries.”