Grant: Cat. Gr.: Partnering for Impact - Impacts of School Food Prog. in Northern Comm.

In Northwestern Ontario, many children face serious challenges that affect their ability to learn and thrive. In the Rainy River District School Board, over half of students report feeling hungry at school, and nearly 70% are chronically absent. This project, Nourishing Futures, brings together educators, public health professionals, researchers, and community members to explore how better school food programs can support student school attendance and success along with more equitable health outcomes. The study will test whether adding a healthy, protein-rich lunch to existing breakfast programs improves student attendance and wellbeing. The pilot will run in two or three schools with high rates of hunger and absenteeism. Researchers will collect data on attendance, student behaviour, and health, and will also speak with students, families, and staff to understand their experiences and needs. This research is important because regular school attendance is linked to better health, learning, and life outcomes. But the mechanisms by which school food supports this needs to be better understood, especially in communities with geographic and resource challenges. The project will also look at how school food programs can be designed to be culturally safe and inclusive, especially for Indigenous students. By working closely with communities and sharing findings in accessible ways - like infographics, toolkits, and webinars - this study aims to support better policies and practices across Northern and rural schools. Ultimately, Nourishing Futures seeks to build healthier, more equitable futures for all children, by investigating how school food can support children in getting to school, staying in school and thriving at school.