Did you know? One of the first services offered by Toujours ensemble after it was established in Verdun is entering its thirty-second year of existence! Since 1991, the organization has been providing lunches to students attending Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and Lévis-Sauvé elementary schools and whose families are low-income.
Maxime Leroy, who began his career with Toujours ensemble as a school lunch attendant before becoming the coordinator (as well as the coordinator of the Parcours program) tells us, « For parents, it takes a weight off their shoulders. » Indeed, the service is offered at a cost of $25 per month, or about $1.25 per meal. He explains what a typical lunch time for the children is like: « The monitors pick up the kids at school. When they arrive at Toujours ensemble, the children receive a full meal prepared by the organization’s cook and his team. After the meal, they are offered free or supervised activities. These days, we take them out to play in the snow a lot, but some classics remain popular year after year: hiding in the dark in our facilities is a must, as are the arts and crafts activities. »
The menu prepared by the cook, Steve Doucet, is approved by the nutritionist of the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Centre and aims to promote healthy eating and the exploration of new foods. Steve Doucet, who has been with Toujours ensemble for several years, happily navigates the challenges of cooking for about 50 elementary-aged children. « Some kids eat lunch with us all through elementary school. We’re part of their daily lives and vice versa! On my end, I adapt my recipes to their different food restrictions and needs and on their end, I see them develop a curiosity and openness towards meals that they would not always choose spontaneously. It’s very rewarding for everyone. »
There are places still available for families of Lévis-Sauvé and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes for the current school year.
To learn more about Toujours ensemble’s School Lunch service, view this link !
