Meals on Wheels launches student lunch program at St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary in Edmonton

# What happened Meals on Wheels in Edmonton has started a school lunch program at St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary School, located east of downtown in the Boyle Street neighbourhood. The program provides lunches to every student at that school four days a week. The organization plans to grow the initiative to reach additional schools.

# Who is involved

• Meals on Wheels Edmonton is the service provider leading the effort. Adam Zawadiuk, the executive director, described the move as an effort to "expand who we're helping and who we are serving in the community."
• Edmonton Catholic Schools is the partner on the education side. Cheryl Shinkaruk, manager of programs and projects with Edmonton Catholic Schools, commented on the program's benefits for students.

# How the program works

# Why the school and Meals on Wheels launched this

# Reported impact so far School and program leaders described the initial response as positive. Students are reportedly excited about the opportunity to access nutritious meals, and staff note that having full tummies helps classroom behaviour and learning engagement. Officials framed the program as one practical way to address food insecurity among families in the city.

# Plans moving forward Meals on Wheels has expressed openness to expanding the program to serve more schools in Edmonton. The organization views this as a way to increase its community reach beyond its traditional senior‑focused services.

# Practical takeaways for readers

• If you are a parent or caregiver at an Edmonton Catholic School, check with your school office to see whether Meals on Wheels or similar programs are available or coming to your school.
• Community groups and volunteers who support Meals on Wheels' senior routes may find opportunities to support school meal efforts as the program grows.
• Schools facing student food insecurity can consider partnering with established meal providers that already manage food preparation and delivery logistics.

# Bottom line Meals on Wheels Edmonton has adapted its meal delivery model to serve schoolchildren at St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary, providing lunches to all students four days a week. School officials report improved student focus and engagement, and the organization aims to expand the initiative to serve more Edmonton schools.