In 1990 OCRI founded the School Breakfast Program.
“OCRI is leading the way to build a strong economic foundation and high quality of life in Ottawa. A robust education system that facilitates lifelong learning is critical to the success of the knowledge-based industries we serve. All Ottawans deserve the opportunity to develop the skills they need to contribute to our workforce and our community. The goal of the School Breakfast Program is to ensure that all children start each day with a healthy breakfast, so they are ready to learn and succeed at school.”
- Kathy McKinlay, Executive Director, Education and Research, OCRI.
In the city of Ottawa approximately 11,000 children in 146 schools begin each school day with a nutritious meal provided by the School Breakfast Program. The program provides funding for equipment, program monitors and food. Two independent evaluations of the School Breakfast Program demonstrated that students who are fed a nutritious breakfast make significant improvements in learning, school attendance, behaviour and self-esteem.
Purpose
To improve the ability of children in-need to learn by providing a nutritious breakfast in a safe, supervised environment.
Innovation
- Community ownership – a united, collaborative, cost-effective approach in dealing with this important aspect of child poverty;
- School Boards provide food and manage the Breakfast Monitors;
- The Community Foundation and local donors provide for one-time costs such as equipment;
- The United Way/Centraide Ottawa and Regional Government provide funding for Breakfast Monitors;
- Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Breakfast for Learning, St. Vincent de Paul Stores, The Food Bank and individual donors provide support and funding.
