Regina school providing free vegan breakfasts with a side of history
Students at Regina's Thomson Community School are enjoying free vegan breakfasts with a side of social justice.
The school's revamped school breakfast program, the Thomson Food Collective, is a collaboration between local restaurant The Hampton Hub co-owner Tiro Mthembu, Thomson Community School and other community members.
The morning menu can range from Riel's resilience pancakes to freedom french toast.
Healthy and vegan, the meals are also aimed at piquing students' interest in daily social justice topics.
"It's not only about breakfast, it's also an opportunity for us to engage and have an educational component. So we wanted to uplift," said Mthembu.
For example, the Thursday menu in September is Malala's empowerment bowl. A mix of rice and beans, the breakfast item is inspired by Malala Yousafzai, a champion for girls' education and equality who was shot by the Taliban for attending school.
Mthembu was inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States. In the 1960s, the group organized free breakfast and food programs for families. It was part of a survival package aimed at helping low-income communities.
"We've always dreamed and aspired to figure out a way to create this program," Mthembu said.
Keilyn Howie, a Grade 1 and 2 teacher at Thomson, said she met Mthembu just three weeks before the school year started. She knew the school's existing free breakfast program was struggling and she happened to be attending a lecture at The Hampton Hub about teacher activism.
She chatted with Mthembu that evening and they quickly developed the new program, got administrative approval and lined up volunteers.
Howie said students were initially unsure about the idea of vegan meals, but are loving the food.
"One of the students said it was a party in their mouth," Howie said.
"Tt is very flavourful, very fresh, so it just naturally weaves those topics of environmental justice and equitable living."
She also said the social justice themes are engaging students and their families.
"The conversations in the breakfast room have been amazing in the morning. It's been a great vibe and it's been a lot of fun so far," Howie said.
