School lunches

Every school day since 1991, in collaboration with the Centre de services scolaires Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSSMB), our team has made nutritious meals in the Toujours ensemble kitchen at a very low cost for about fifty students from low-income families who attend the Lévis-Sauvé and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes elementary schools. The quality of the menu is certified by the CSSMB nutritionist.

Boxed lunches are delivered directly to the school for children in kindergarten, while students in Cycles 1, 2 and 3 (Grades 1 to 6) come to eat at the Carolyn H. Renaud Centre.

Although the main goal of this service is to provide healthy meals, the lunch program also gives these children a welcome break in their school day. Our team of youth workers supervise them during meals, help out with problems or conflicts, stay connected to parents, and lead fun and educational activities after lunch. The program therefore helps students relax, have fun, and talk to an adult if they need to. Our staff also guide the kids to and from school to ensure their safety.

The School Lunch Service leads to

Better attention in class after lunch

Discovery of new foods and recipes

Increased awareness of healthy eating habits

Typical schedule

11:40 a.m. : Young people leave school with a guide to go to TE

11:50 a.m. : Meal time

12:10 p.m. : Moment of relaxation (free or supervised activities)

12:35 p.m. : End of activities and preparation for departure

12:40 p.m. : Departure for school with the guide

Charle's lunch-time experience

When the bell rings at 11:40 a.m., I hurry to put on my outside clothes and find Sylvie, who is waiting for me in the school yard.

When everyone in our group arrives, we head to Toujours ensemble. I love this walk, as it gets us moving and talking. Sometimes we even sing songs.

Once we get to TE, we say hi to Steve, our favourite cook. He’s so funny and constantly tells jokes. I take off my boots and coat, put on some slippers and sit in my usual spot. I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse! Today we’re having lasagna with a green salad, my favourite.

When my turn comes, I get my food and go back to sit with my friends and Sylvie, our youth worker, who chats with us as we have our meal. She makes sure we eat everything on our plates and have enough water before giving out dessert.

After the meal, we get set up to do an activity. Today, Sylvie suggests either colouring pages or word searches. Since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, she has printed different hearts that we can colour and give to anyone we want. I choose a big heart so that I can write a note to my teacher. Sylvie helps me write it so that I don’t make mistakes.

At 12:40 p.m., it’s time to go back to school. We gather up our things, put on our coats and boots, and leave on foot with Sylvie. It’s nice to get some fresh air after eating a good meal. I can’t wait to give the heart I coloured to my teacher. I hope she likes it!

Testimonial

I think my daughter eats very well at Toujours ensemble. I find that there is good supervision. Thank you for the joy you bring to the children.

Mother

Important information

The School Lunch Service costs $25 per month, or $1.25 per meal.

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Louis
michelle.louis@toujoursensemble.org
514-761-7867, extension 310

The registration includes access to the Parcours Program activities for youths older than 9 years old.