- Stories from the Ground
Steps for School Food: Celebrating Nova Scotia’s Success and Building the Best School Food Programs from Coast to Coast to Coast
On May 15, Vancouver elementary school teacher and school food advocate Brent Mansfield ran an ultramarathon alongside students from Springvale Elementary School in Halifax. As the host organization for the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, Nourish Nova Scotia was pleased to help organize this event, which celebrated the steps taken by provincial and federal governments to invest in school food programs like the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program, and the National School Food Program.
The day began with a morning assembly where Brent shared photos and stories of the edible education he facilitates with his students and emphasized the importance of teachers and students having a voice in shaping food at their school. May 15 is also Black Excellence Day in Nova Scotia, and we were very fortunate to have Wendie Wilson, a teacher and leader with the Coalition’s Black School Food Working Group, join the assembly to share the importance of incorporating Black and African Nova Scotian foods into schools as this connects students to their own and other cultures in meaningful ways.
Brent then ran throughout the school day, with each physical education class taking turns joining him. The Blue Nose Marathon mascot Myles even came to join the fun and run a few laps! The day wrapped up with the Springvale Kids Run Club joining Brent for the final hour. The kids were excited to have ‘Mr. Brent’ help them prepare to participate in the Blue Nose Marathon weekend.
“It was such a great day running and talking with the students of Springvale! Their energy and excitement helped carry me through the day. We have such an opportunity right now to work with students to leverage their passion and empower them to build the best school food programs with us”
Steps for School Food is more than a celebration, it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. Each step reflects the energy, creativity, and collective action needed to build strong, healthy school food programs in every part of Canada. Just like nutritious school meals, physical activity helps students thrive, supporting their learning, well-being, and sense of belonging at school.
After leaving Nova Scotia, Brent flew to Newfoundland & Labrador for a similar run with students in St. John’s, and his last stop will be in Whitehorse, YT later this month!
