As I listened to the conversation this morning, one thing that came to mind is that food in schools can be easier than we're describing it. In the way that textbooks and computers are very common in schools, imagine for a moment a day when food is as commonplace in a school setting.
Agencies like ours are involved with schools in the neighbourhoods we work and operate in. I can give you an example of one particular program and one particular cohort.
As I said, we support individuals from grade 6 to grade 9. We're only able to support a limited number of students. That program supports anywhere from 12 to 15 students at any given time. The first cohort, or group, of grade 6 students participated in the food security program for the full three years. Each one of the students, who had to navigate some challenging circumstances, graduated from grade 8 with either honours, a scholarship or an award.
Again, it was an inner-city program in a lower socio-economic class, with individuals struggling with self esteem and other individual issues.
I see those outside supportive programs really being able to create those conditions.