Feeding Futures Long Table Celebration and Feedback Dinner

On the evening of June 13, 2024, the Feeding Futures Long Table Celebration and Feedback Dinner brought together school district and community members in a special event to celebrate and build upon the collaborative success of our school meal programs this year.

The lovely evening was graciously hosted by Salmon Arm West parent and meal program volunteer Carmen Jeffries on her family’s beautiful multigenerational farm. This collaborative effort, involving SD83, Shuswap Food Action Society, Shuswap Community Foundation, and Rise Up Indigenous Wellness. Switchcraft catering brought everyone together with their delicious food and Knowledge Keeper Kenthen Thomas opened the dinner in a good way with a Secwepemc story about bringing community together.

“The Long Table Dinner was inspired by our School Food Working Group, a wonderful group of parents from diverse backgrounds, who explored topics this year related to stigma and accessibility of food programs in schools; such as food allergies, cultural inclusivity, diverse abilities, and fluctuating financial circumstances for families,” shared Serena Caner, Feeding Futures Program Coordinator.

The event provided an opportunity to share the conversations and findings of the School Food Working Group in a “decolonized” way to support next year’s programming. The group believed that sharing a meal together was a powerful way to connect, share feedback, and build a stronger community.

Board Trustee Marianne VanBuskirk commented on the amazing energy of the evening and thanked everyone for their dedication and support for students and families. She also thanked Serena Caner for her passion and expertise as the Feeding Futures Coordinator and for making sure that the Feeding Futures funds from the Ministry of Education and Child Care are going as far as possible to support students and families in our District.

Heartfelt gratitude was extended to the many community partners, parents/PAC volunteers, Indigenous Support Workers, School Meal Workers, and others who supported the Feeding Futures initiative this year.

“These individuals so often went above and beyond, donating their time and energy to ensure the success of our programs,” expressed Tanya Harrington, District Vice Principal of Student Wellness. “As we ate together, we connected in such a beautiful way; we shared stories and ideas, met the many school district and community members who are so invested in supporting kids and families – we really saw, heard, and felt the ‘heart work’ behind the Feeding Futures Initiative.”

The Feeding Futures Fund has been approved for another two years by the Ministry of Education and Child Care and this year has been an incredible foundation to build upon.

For more information on the Feeding Futures initiative and to learn about some of the SD83 projects, visit the Feeding Futures in SD83 webpage.