At The BRDGE, we believe that food is much more than sustenance; it's a gateway to understanding, connection, and cultural appreciation. As Calgary continues to grow and diversify, it's more important than ever to ensure that the richness of this city’s cultural mosaic is reflected in all aspects of life, including the meals served in our schools. This is why we are particularly eager to introduce ethnic food options into Calgary’s educational institutions.
Celebrating Diversity Through Food
Calgary is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, with communities from around the world calling this city their home. Yet, despite this diversity, the food options available in many schools often do not reflect the cultural backgrounds of the students they serve. By introducing ethnic food into schools, we aim to celebrate the diversity that makes Calgary unique and foster a sense of inclusion and belonging among students.
When children see their cultural heritage reflected in the meals offered at school, it validates their identity and promotes pride in their background. This not only benefits the students who identify with those cultures but also enriches the experience of all students, providing them with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the traditions and flavors of their peers.
Promoting Healthier Eating Habits
Ethnic foods are often rich in nutrients and prepared using traditional methods that emphasize balance and wellness. Introducing these options into schools provides students with healthier, more diverse meal choices that go beyond the typical cafeteria fare. For example, offering dishes like Nigerian jollof rice, Indian dal, Mexican tamales, or Venezuelan arepas introduces students to a variety of vegetables, grains, and proteins, promoting a more balanced diet.
By expanding the menu to include ethnic options, we can help combat the rising trend of childhood obesity and other diet-related health issues. A more varied diet encourages children to explore different foods and develop healthier eating habits that can last a lifetime.
Building Cultural Awareness and Empathy
One of the greatest benefits of introducing ethnic food into schools is the role it plays in building cultural awareness and empathy among students. Food is a universal language, and by sharing meals from different cultures, students are given a tangible way to experience and understand the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
In a classroom where students share meals that represent a variety of cultural backgrounds, there’s an opportunity for dialogue and learning. It’s a way to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive and empathetic school environment. When students understand and appreciate the cultural significance of the food they eat, it fosters a deeper respect for the people and traditions behind those meals.
Supporting Local Communities
Introducing ethnic food into schools also provides an opportunity to support local vendors and businesses from diverse communities. By sourcing meals from local ethnic food vendors, schools can contribute to the economic well-being of these communities and encourage the growth of small businesses.
At The BRDGE, we are committed to partnering with local vendors to bring authentic, high-quality ethnic food into schools. This not only ensures that the food is prepared with care and cultural accuracy but also empowers small business owners by providing them with new opportunities to grow and thrive.
Our Vision for the Future
Our goal at The BRDGE is to create a school meal program that reflects the diverse fabric of Calgary’s population. We are currently focusing on partnering with schools that have high populations of Nigerian, Mexican, Indian, and Venezuelan students to pilot this initiative. By providing affordable, authentic ethnic food options, we hope to set a precedent for how school meals can be both nutritious and culturally inclusive.
We envision a future where students from all backgrounds feel seen, valued, and celebrated through the meals they share at school. By introducing ethnic food into Calgary’s schools, we are taking a significant step toward that future—one where diversity is not only acknowledged but embraced and enjoyed by all.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are eager to work with schools, parents, and the community to make this vision a reality. Together, we can ensure that Calgary’s schools are places where every student feels at home, no matter what their cultural background may be.
