In the early hours of the morning on February 4, VSB staff and community volunteers, chopped fruit, poured juice, filled bowls and scrambled eggs at Hastings Elementary. As part of the Grocery Foundation’s Make Happy Tummies breakfast event, they were preparing breakfast for more than 600 students. 

The event helped to raise awareness around the importance of school meal programs and provided a chance for students to enjoy a meal with their friends before the start of their school day. School breakfast programs play an important role in supporting students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being. It helps fuel their bodies and minds, making sure they can focus on learning, not on an empty tummy. 

The event wrapped up with smiles and happy (full) tummies. Thank you to the community volunteers and staff who helped make the event a success, and to our wonderful partners such as the Grocery Foundation and the Breakfast Club of Canada who help provide food to students. 

The Make Happy Tummies campaign is running now until April 23, with donations supporting school meal programs across Canada. 

Community members can contribute by donating at participating grocery stores or online.

Check out a recap of the event below!