Walter & Maria Schroeder of The Schroeder Foundation in front of Collège Garden City Collegiate, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (HANDOUT)
A Winnipeg philanthropic foundation is making a major investment in student nutrition and well-being, announcing $1.5 million in funding for Seven Oaks School Division.
Funding from the Schroeder Foundation, coming through its charity Terra Bay Food Services Inc., comes ahead of the 2026-27 school year and will support food programming, kitchen infrastructure, and wraparound student supports at Collège Garden City Collegiate and Elwick Community School.
Key investments include $300,000 to build a dedicated universal food program kitchen at Garden City Collegiate, $250,000 to redevelop culinary classrooms at the same school, and $70,000 in infrastructure upgrades at Elwick Community School.
The foundation is also donating $200,000 in kitchen equipment and committing $270,000 annually to provide up to 160 weekly food hampers for families in the community year-round. Funding for free and subsidized meals and outreach supports targeting student absenteeism and engagement are also part of the package.
The redeveloped culinary spaces at Garden City Collegiate will double as hands-on learning environments, with students able to work as interns and part-time employees supporting cafeteria and kitchen operations.
“When students are nourished, supported, and connected to opportunity, they are better positioned to succeed,” said Tony Kreml, superintendent of Seven Oaks School Division. “Partnerships like this help make that possible.”
Infrastructure work begins in June, with the food hamper program launching in July and full programming set for September.
