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Lunch program helps hundreds of students

SUCCESS STORIES — Special to the ATA News

October 15, 2019 Hamda Ahmed, Mehak Arif and Shandra Leskiw

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The B’s Supporting Youth Foundation enables students to assemble more than 300 nutritious lunches each week for delivery to various Edmonton schools.

A  program that began with a few teachers wanting to provide lunch at school is now a full-fledged charity that feeds hundreds of Edmonton students.

The B’s Supporting Youth Foundation (BSYF) provides nutritious lunches to more than 300 students in various schools within the Edmonton public and Catholic systems.

“Not only does BSYF feed children, but it also provides a sense of community and generosity in our student volunteers who help with our program,” said foundation president James Stuart, a teacher at Queen Elizabeth High School.

Every Tuesday morning during the school year, student volunteers from different schools are bused to the Millhurst Community League where they are guided through the process of making balanced lunches, which include whole grain bread, fruit and granola bars, fresh meat and cheese. Once the lunches are made and packed, students help deliver them to multiple schools.

“Our program is improving the lives of many students across Edmonton, while allowing other students to make a difference in their community,” Stuart said.

Created by Stuart in 2013, the foundation is entirely non-profit and run by a team of volunteers that includes teachers and students. The lunch program operates thanks to donations from a variety of individuals and organizations, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Edmonton Public Teachers’ Local No. 37 provided $11,000 this year through its charitable trust.

“The program is a hands-on way for kids to expand their world view and exercise their empathy muscles,” Stuart said. ❚

Hamda Ahmed, Mehak Arif and Shandra Leskiw are former students at J. Percy Page High School and former members of the B’s Supporting Youth Foundation.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Success Stories is an ongoing feature that enables teachers to share their successes with their colleagues. To submit an idea or an article about a new program or approach that you’ve instituted, please contact managing editor editor Cory Hare at cory.hare@ata.ab.ca.

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