1. Where can I get BFL grant application forms?
A: Contact the Provincial Coordinator of Breakfast for Learning Alberta
( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

2. Who funds BFLA?
A: The BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING- Canadian Living Foundation, a non-profit organization, provides funds for the school nutrition programs.

3. What is funded?
A: BFL grants provide for 10% of the cost of food, and approximately 50% of the cost of equipment and supplies.

4. What do you expect a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack to cost?
A: We budget for a healthy breakfast to cost $0.85, snack at $0.55, and lunch at $ 2.00.

5. What meal(s) will BFL help to fund?
A: We will assist with funding breakfast, lunch, one or two snacks, breakfast and a snack, or lunch and a snack.

6. Where else can my organization go for funding assistance?
A: Program or funding assistance can come in several forms. You might wish to go to a local business for a gift or service in kind, rather than funds. Community service organizations or local churches might wish to help your program with a donation. Your Parent Advisory Council may offer assistance through fundraising. Parents may make donations to your program if approached.

7. Why should a school offer a nutrition program?
A: In Canada, 24% of children in grade 4 do not eat breakfast every day; by grade 8, 47% of girls and 33% of boys do not eat breakfast daily. Obesity is increasing dramatically in children and eating disorders remain a significant problem among teenage girls.

Studies show that students who are well nourished perform better in school. Their ability to concentrate improves, as does their overall ability to learn. Undernourished children have difficulty focusing on tasks at hand, have lower self-esteem and are absent more often from school.

Studies also show that undernourished children are typically fatigued and uninterested in their environment, compared to their well-nourished peers. Research shows that children who eat breakfast have improved memory, problem-solving skills, verbal fluency and creative abilities.

8. Is this the responsibility of the school? Isn’t feeding a child the responsibility of the parent?

A: Children come to school hungry for many reasons. It is no longer just a matter of economics.

• With parents working longer hours, more children than ever before must look after themselves before and after school, yet most don’t have the know-how necessary to provide nutritious meals for themselves.
• Harried morning routines are becoming more common.
• Children have long bus rides to school.
• Lack of parental supervision at mealtimes.
• Poverty.

9. How does a program get started?
A: Usually the problem of poor nourishment in students at school is first recognized by the teaching and administrative staff at school. Anyone in the community can initiate a school feeding program, but there must be support from the school Principal as well as a central coordinating committee representing the school staff, parents, students and other community stakeholders and volunteers. Often it is just one person who is the initial driving force behind initiating a school nutrition program.

For information on starting a BFL program, please contact the Provincial Coordinator, and request a Nutrition Start-Up Kit ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

10. What elements should a successful program have?

A:

• Nutritious and safe food regardless of family income status;
• Accessible and non-stigmatizing programs that are universal and flexible, not replacing welfare reform;
• Community-based programs administered in such a way as to respect the individuality of the community and addresses its unique needs;
• Cultural appropriateness, sensitive to and respectful of individual and community diversity;
• Parent and Family Involvement, recognizing that child nutrition is a family responsibility;
• A nurturing, caring environment in which children and volunteers can participate;
• Teaching children healthy eating habits for lifelong healthy development;
• Shared Funding and self-sustaining programs to ensure Financial stability;
• Education of the public on creative ways in which children can be adequately and properly nourished both at school and at home.