Even small grants can make a difference! Like many schools across the country, Picture Butte High School found that there were students who attended school sporadically, and more often than not, without breakfast.

A small grant provided by the Lethbridge Community Foundation enabled Picture Butte High School to put the ACHIEVE project into action. Students enrolled in the program are taught skills in basic cooking, menu planning, good nutrition, economical shopping and food preparation – not to mention eating!

The ACHIEVE program also helps students to learn teamwork, cooperation and workplace-readiness skills.

Students enrolled in the ACHIEVE program are not hungry at school and are now better able to focus on learning course content. An improvement in class performance, marks, mood stability and positive attitudes are all indicators that participants benefit positively from the program. A comment from the coordinator added to the lighter side of the program: “One thing I was reminded of was how much teenagers hate to do dishes!” Teachers and staff also note that the kids really connect with the people they prepare and eat food with, resulting in a positive difference in staff-student relationships.

The Lethbridge Community Foundation is proud to have supported such a worthwhile cause in our community.