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Feeding Curiosity: The Language of Food in Early Learning

Food is so much more than nourishment—it’s a language of connection, culture, and creativity. At our center, food plays a central role in building community and fostering inclusion. By gathering around shared meals, children learn about each other, explore new tastes, and connect with traditions that celebrate our diverse world.

The Power of Shared Meals

Mealtimes are a daily ritual that brings our classroom community together. Sitting at the table, children share stories, laugh, and engage in meaningful conversations. These moments nurture a sense of belonging and provide opportunities to practice social skills like turn-taking, listening, and empathy. Gathering as a community fosters bonds that extend beyond the table, creating a supportive environment where every child feels valued.

Exploring Culture Through Food

Food offers a delicious gateway to cultural exploration. Our professional kitchen staff prepare meals from scratch, drawing inspiration from the diverse heritages of our families. Children sample global flavors like butter chicken, curries, and bannock, sparking curiosity about other traditions while honoring their own. By experiencing a world of flavours, children learn to appreciate diversity and build respect for different cultural identities.

Nourishing Growing Minds

Healthy, balanced meals play a crucial role in supporting a child’s growth and learning. Research shows that proper nutrition improves focus, memory, and brain development. By preparing meals from scratch with fresh, nutritious ingredients, we provide children with the energy they need to thrive. Each meal is thoughtfully adapted to accommodate dietary needs, ensuring that every child feels cared for and included.

Building Responsibility and Connection

Children actively participate in mealtime routines by helping set the table, serve meals, and tidy up afterward. These simple, hands-on activities teach responsibility, cooperation, and the value of contributing to their community. Food in our program is more than sustenance—it’s a language that nurtures connection, celebrates diversity, and fuels curiosity and learning.

Our Food Services Team

Our food program is driven by an exceptional team dedicated to nurturing children through nutritious and inclusive meals. Darlene, a valued member since 2008, provides invaluable continuity and insight into the Society's food traditions, bringing a steady presence to our kitchen. Darren, a dynamic addition to the team, infuses energy and creativity into the program, drawing on his culinary background in high-end restaurants and remote forestry camps to craft exciting meals for our children.

Ravneet, our Food Services Manager, plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. A TRU graduate with her Professional Cook 1 and 2 certifications, she continues to work towards her Red Seal designation. Collaborating closely with cooks, educators, and children, Ravneet develops monthly menus that reflect our values and the diverse tastes of our community. She and her team skillfully ensure that every meal is safe, accommodating allergies, sensitivities, and cultural preferences while introducing children to a variety of flavors and traditions.

Together, this dedicated team delivers a food program that meets the high standards of the Society—and the demands of their most discerning customers, the children—while fostering a shared sense of connection and joy through every meal.