With one in six children in Edmonton living in poverty, E4C's School Lunch Program feeds hungry children in high needs schools. It ensures that children eat a hot lunch that provides a third of their daily nutritional requirements. Families are asked to contribute whatever they can through an anonymous double-envelope system. Regardless of payment, children are fed a nutritious lunch each school day. Staff are hired from local communities to serve lunch to the children.

Nearly 2,300 students eat the lunches professionaly prepared and delivered to twelve high-needs schools. Menus are well balanced and are based on the Canada Food Guide, all meals are served with fresh fruit and white milk. 

The School Lunch Program is a cost-efficient investment in our children and our communities. Its continued growth depends upon generous donations from all sectors of the community.

Teachers indicate that there is a positive influence on student behaviour, attendance, morale, concentration and learning ability. It has also enhanced the social climate at the schools and has improved eating habits.

The Nutrition and Community Service Division also runs the following programs:

The School Snack Program provides a nutritious mid-morning snack to participating high-needs schools throughout the Edmonton area. More than a million nourishing snacks are served each year to over 5,600 children. 

The Summer Snack Program addresses hunger issues for children in the summer months. Volunteers prepare nutritious snacks which are delivered to children in various high-needs park sites in partnership with the City of Edmonton Community Services’ Green Shack Summer Playground Program.

The Young Chefs Program provides opportunities for children to develop skills in meal preparation, food safety, kitchen clean-up and team work.  The children also enjoy eating the snacks and meals that they have prepared. They are very proud of their accomplishments and will take the recipes home to share with their families.

A Community Garden located at Alex Taylor School provides local residents an opportunity to grow their own produce.  Each garden member plants and maintains their own garden space and also works collectively on common areas in the garden. Every season brings a wonderful mix of vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowering plants.

Click here to download Brochure      

Click here to download Fact Sheet

For more information, contact:

9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB  T5H 3T7