{{ years }} years of feeding futures
What began as 147 hot lunches at one St. John's school is now 7,100 meals a day across Newfoundland & Labrador. The idea has never changed: every child eats, no questions asked.
"Many children were missing school simply because there wasn't enough food at home."
Our journey began in 1988, when an interchurch group in St. John's published a report called Poverty: The One Thing Money Can't Buy. It revealed a stark reality: hunger was keeping children from school.
A committee formed, backed by the provincial government. On November 6, 1989, 147 hot lunches were served to every student at Bishop Feild Elementary. No questions asked, no child left out.
That small act sparked a movement. Today the School Lunch Association is a registered charity feeding children across the province. Our pay-what-you-can model ensures every family can take part, and every contribution stays confidential.
Support our work →The report
"Poverty: The One Thing Money Can't Buy" names hunger as a barrier to education.
First lunch served
147 hot meals at Bishop Feild Elementary on November 6th. The program is born.
Growing across NL
From the Avalon to Clarenville and Gander, the program reaches dozens more schools.
7,100 meals a day
47 schools. Every child included, every school day, still pay-what-you-can.
Three things we never compromise
Dignity first
Every child gets the same lunch tray. What a family pays is confidential, so no child is ever singled out.
Real nutrition
Hot, balanced meals that meet provincial school food guidelines. Whole, recognizable food kids actually eat.
Built by community
Cooks, volunteers, schools, donors and partners across NL. Feeding kids is a team effort, and always has been.
lunches on day one, 1989
meals every school day now
schools across the province
requested, pay what you can
Be part of the next {{ years }} years
Find your school's menu, give a hand, or join the team. Every bit keeps lunch on the table.