The Peace Wapiti Public School Division is celebrating a group of dedicated volunteers and sponsors who have allowed what used to be a student-paid meal to transition into a complimentary hot lunch every Friday.
Students and staffers at Rycroft School have been enjoying free hot lunches every Friday class is in session thanks to the hot lunch program, which is fully funded by the generosity of local businesses and organizations.
School Council members Larissa Parliament and Santana Orel say that seeing the program evolve has been “extremely rewarding,” as it ensures every student receives a warm meal at least once a week.
“The transition from a student-paid program to complimentary lunches ensures that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, receives a warm meal at school at least once a week,” they say. “In addition to the weekly hot lunch, the program has expanded to offer special treats and events for students to enjoy.”
Parliament adds that the success of the program is due to the “incredible support” of volunteers and the leadership of Santana Orel, who is described as having been “instrumental” in organizing and coordinating the program.
