One of our goals is to increase awareness about the importance of nutrition and its effect on learning. The food available at our school is in keeping with the CBE Nutrition policy.
The lunch program at HDC includes:
Concession / Hot Lunch - The lunchroom program includes a concession and the opportunity to place monthly orders for hot lunches.
Lunches from Home - Students are welcome to pack a lunch and eat at school. Microwaves and hot water are available.
Lunch Space and Activities - The lunchroom, front hallway (with benches) and outside picnic area (when weather permits) are open to students during the lunch hour. The library, computer room and Study Stop are open to students after the first 20 minutes of the lunch hour. The school also has a variety of activities in which students are welcome to participate during lunch hour.
Energy Drinks and other sugar/caffeine laden drinks and candy
We are concerned with the increasing popularity of energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar. We respectfully ask that students not to bring or consume such energy drinks in our school or prior to coming to school. Additionally, we encourage parents to discuss the impact of these drinks with your child.
Students are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly in the lunchroom and ensure that their garbage and recycling is removed and placed in the recycle/garbage cans provided.
Allergies
To decrease the likelihood of an emergency medical situation due to allergic reactions, we request that parents avoid sending peanut butter and/or tree nut products to school. For more information on allergies and/or other health concerns visit our Illness & Medical page.
Fun Lunches
Fun lunches give our students an opportunity to eat lunch, socialize with their friends at school and take part in special activities.
Home-Packed Lunch Tips for Parents
Lunch is an important part of your child’s day at school. Here are some tips to help you provide a lunch that is safe and nutritious with less waste.
Food Safety
- Keep cold food cold by using an insulated lunch bag and 1-2 ice packs.
- Keep hot food hot by using an insulated container. Preheat your container with boiling water before adding hot food. Microwave ovens are not available for elementary students.
- Pack non-perishables, such as granola bars and whole fruit, that can be kept at room temperature.
- Most CBE schools are nut-aware, please check with your child’s teacher for more information on nut allergies and other allergies in your child’s classroom.
Help Reduce Waste
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Pack just enough for a child to eat during lunch.
- Many schools participate in “boomerang lunches” (pack in/pack out), where all leftover items are returned home.
Tip: Pack a sealable bag or container labeled ‘garbage’ for uneaten food or open containers to avoid mess in the lunch bag.
In 2024, ten CBE schools participated in a waste audit conducted by Green Calgary. Here are a few suggestions from the audit to help minimize waste produced by packed lunches:
- Send less selections of food. Younger children have difficulty deciding what to eat when there is a lot of choice and sometimes end up not eating.
- When possible, use reusable containers for foods such as crackers and cut up fruits or vegetables.
Other Tips
- Make sure your child can open all packages by themselves.
- Involve your child in packing their lunch. Children involved in food preparation may be more likely to try new foods and eat what is packed, minimizing food waste.
- Aim to include a food from each food group – lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily (as per Canada’s Food Guide 2019).
- Some items, such as sandwiches, can be made ahead and frozen to save time. Note that some fillings such as fresh vegetables do not freeze well.
- Designate a shelf in the fridge/pantry at home for lunch items. This may help make packing lunches quicker and encourage independence for children packing their own lunches.
References