Nourishing Minds: Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer’s Vision for a New Approach to School Meals

Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer (PhD'05), recently honoured with the 2023-24 Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Excellence Awards in the Solutions Impact Grant, is deeply committed to exploring the connection between school food programs and student well-being. Her research team has secured two Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) grants related to school food—one completed and one ongoing. Additionally, her work gained support by a $150,000 Solutions Impact Grant from SHRF, co-funded by the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation (JPCHF), which continues to build on the findings from the completed CIHR grant. Together, these efforts are reshaping our understanding of how school food programs can nurture healthier, more engaged students.

"We’ve long recognized that what kids eat during the school day has an impact on their overall well-being, yet Canada has lagged in implementing a national school food program," says Dr. Engler-Stringer. "Our work is focused on building the evidence needed to support these programs and make them as effective as possible."

Unlike many other countries, Canada has only recently begun to explore the potential of a national school food program. "For years, our approach to school meals has been fragmented, relying on small, underfunded initiatives that often struggle to provide consistent nutrition," Dr. Engler-Stringer explains. Her project, which builds on a successful pilot study conducted with Saskatoon Public Schools, aims to change that by creating a model for a universal, curriculum-integrated school lunch program.

"Our goal is to generate robust evidence that can inform the development of school food programs across Canada, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of our populations," she says.

The initial pilot, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided critical insights into how a well-implemented school lunch program can improve students' diets and overall school experience. Despite the pandemic-related challenges, the study highlighted the importance of providing nutritious meals and demonstrated the feasibility of scaling up such programs. One of the most important aspects of our work is ensuring that the evidence we gather is relevant to the Canadian context," Dr. Engler-Stringer notes. "Canada is incredibly diverse, with different regions facing unique challenges regarding school nutrition."

But what does “Canadian context” mean, and why is it so crucial?

Canada’s population is remarkably diverse, both culturally and geographically. The country is home to many ethnicities, languages, and cultural practices, all influencing dietary preferences and nutritional needs. "In urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, schools may need to accommodate various cultural and religious dietary requirements," Dr. Engler-Stringer explains. "In contrast, rural and remote areas might face entirely different challenges, such as limited access to fresh produce or the need for culturally appropriate foods for Indigenous communities."

This diversity means a one-size-fits-all approach to school food programs won’t work in Canada. "What works in a densely populated, multicultural city might not be suitable for a remote Indigenous community or a small town with different cultural dynamics," she says. The Canadian context also includes unique logistical challenges, such as the vast distances between communities and the varying availability of resources like commercial kitchens and trained staff.

The pilot program in Saskatoon has already shown that tailoring school food programs to the specific needs and circumstances of different communities can create a more inclusive and effective system. "Our research is focused on understanding these diverse needs and finding ways to address them through flexible, adaptable school food programs that can be successfully implemented across the country," Dr. Engler-Stringer adds.

This approach ensures that the programs developed are not only nutritionally sound but also culturally relevant and accessible to all students, regardless of where they live or what their background may be. As Canada moves toward a national school food program, the lessons learned from these localized studies will be invaluable in shaping a program that truly reflects the nation's diversity.

Implementing a successful school food program in Canada is not without its challenges. Many schools lack the necessary infrastructure, such as kitchens, to prepare nutritious meals on-site. "We’re working closely with Saskatoon Public Schools to address these gaps, where they are upgrading kitchens and providing the resources needed to make this program a reality," she says.

Dr. Engler-Stringer also emphasizes the importance of understanding the implementation process. "It’s not just about what we’re doing, but how we’re doing it. Being present in the schools, understanding the day-to-day challenges, and adapting as needed is crucial to the success of this program and research."

The program goes beyond just providing meals; it integrates food education into the school curriculum. "We want students to understand where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and the cultural and environmental impacts of food choices," says Dr. Engler-Stringer. "This program includes lesson plans, gardening activities, and even cooking classes to help children develop a deeper connection to the food they eat."

The program's social aspect is also a key focus. "Eating together has significant social benefits. When children see their peers trying new foods, they’re more likely to do the same. It’s about creating a positive, communal experience around food," she explains.

To measure the program's success, Dr. Engler-Stringer's team uses a combination of surveys, focus groups, and innovative methods like digital photography-assisted plate waste studies. "We’ve received positive feedback from both teachers, parents, and students," she reports. Teachers have noted improvements in student focus and behaviour, and students and parents appreciate the variety and quality of the meals."

With the recent announcement of a National School Food Program, Dr. Engler-Stringer’s work is poised to make a significant impact. "Our research is helping to shape the future of school food in Canada. We’re learning from the best examples globally and aiming to avoid the pitfalls other countries have encountered," she says.

Dr. Engler-Stringer is quick to highlight that this project is a collective effort. "None of this would be possible without the support and collaboration of Saskatoon Public Schools, the Coalition for Healthy School Food, and the incredible team of staff and graduate students who are on the ground, doing the daily research," she says.

As Dr. Engler-Stringer reflects on the journey so far, she remains optimistic about the future of school food programs in Canada. "The work we’re doing is more than just about feeding children—it's about nurturing healthier, more connected communities," she says. With the support of her dedicated team, Dr. Engler-Stringer is paving the way for a national program that is not only nutritious but also culturally relevant and accessible to all.

"It's incredibly rewarding to know that our research could shape the future of school food in Canada, making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of generations to come." As Canada moves toward a more unified approach to school nutrition, the lessons learned from this research will be instrumental in creating a program that truly reflects the diversity and needs of the nation.

Article republished courtesy SHRF