Burt Benoit, general manager of Cargill in North Battleford, presented a cheque for $3,750 to North Battleford Comprehensive High School recently in support of its school cooking program and breakfast program.
Regional Manager Ames Leslie said the support provided through Cargill Cares focuses on their three goals of nourishing people, educating them about food and food safety and being environmentally sustainable.
Janice Staff, commercial cooking teacher and NBCHS cafeteria manager, says the program is well supported by the students, some of whom had little or no experience preparing food.
“Even turning on our gas stoves was an experience for them,” said Staff.
The students have shown an increased sense of self-confidence and belonging to the school community, many of them continuing to volunteer their time to help serve at noon. Among the things they have learned to prepare are dips, stir-fries, casseroles, cookies, muffins and crisps, all from scratch with nutritious ingredients and no additives.
The skills that are developed through the program revolve around sanitation and safe food handling, tools and equipment used in commercial and home cooking and cooking skills. The program will resume in semester two at NBHCS, says Amber Kotzer, school liaison worker, who helps co-ordinate the program.
