Program Criteria
Breakfast Clubs of Canada (BCC) is a national organization dedicated to supporting community-based 5 day per week breakfast programs for school children and youth. As we believe children and youth have the right to a healthy breakfast* every morning, we provide to schools and to our partners on the field funds, kitchen equipment, trainings, resource tools and food donations, when available. BCC accepts applications from registered not-for-profit organizations, school boards and schools that meet the following criteria:
Vulnerable student population
- School has a high percentage of low income families (20% and more).
- School is located in remote community (2 hours from a grocery store) and/or,
- School has a high percentage of First Nation, Métis and/or Inuit students (50% or more) and/or,
- School lacks other sources of support/funds/resources.
Nutritious Food
- A submitted sample menu meets the requirements of a healthy breakfast as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide, 2007.
- The daily breakfast menu includes at least three of the four food groups, including a fruit & vegetable and a dairy or alternative.
Safety
- Staff and volunteers involved in food preparation should attend food safety training.
- The kitchen facility must meet local/provincial health standards.
- A list of allergies and food sensitivities is available to the breakfast program site coordinator.
Access
- The program fosters a welcoming environment that is non-stigmatizing and encourages self-esteem and respect.
- The location of the program is safe, clean and comfortable.
- Measures are taken to ensure that students and their families are aware of the program.
- The breakfast program is universally accessible at participating sites to school aged children and youth.
Cultural relevance
- Menus and programming are inclusive and consider cultural and religious food practices of students and their families.
Budget
- A budget is submitted to estimate program costs and revenues, each year as requested.
Reporting
- Program data and financial reporting is submitted on a regular basis as defined by a partnership agreement.
- Changes to estimated number of students, number of days served or other funds/food/resources should be reported.
Volunteers
- Volunteers are screened as per local school board requirements.
Contributions
- Parents/caregivers are informed regularly regarding BCC breakfast program activities.
- Parents/caregivers are asked to contribute financially and/or through volunteering but students at the site will have access regardless of their parents’ ability to contribute.
- The program is encouraged to fundraise to offset the cost of the breakfast program; fundraising involving food sales should be focused on healthy food choices.
- Non-financial contributions are welcome.
Environmental practices
- The program strives to decrease the environment impact of the program through minimal food packaging, recycling, use of reusable dishes and other environmental practices.
Nutrition education and self esteem
- The program fosters self-esteem in a welcoming environment.
- A local program committee may be established to plan and administer the breakfast program and may include but is not limited to the school principal, parents/caregivers, students, community members, school staff and other interested parties.
- The breakfast program should further encourage nutrition education and healthy lifestyles.
How to apply?
If you are located in Quebec, please contact the Club des petits déjeuners du Québec to start a club in your school.
If you are applying for a
single school breakfast program, please download and complete the two following documents:
If you are applying for
multiple school breakfast programs, please download and complete the two following documents:
Should you have questions, please contact Caroline Douville at 1 866 794-4900, x 231 for Eastern Canada or Josée Desjardins at 604 562 8755, for Western Canada.
*The term “breakfast” includes both breakfast and morning meal programs.