The We Are One Lunch Program was established with a strong conviction to help uplift individuals out of poverty and specifically to provide wholesome meals to children. The program originated in 2005 as a branch of Cathren’s Bon Appetit, with a focus on imparting life skills to support individuals in breaking the poverty cycle. It was through community interaction that the issue of food insecurity became a primary concern, prompting Cathy Staal and a group of motivated individuals to solicit government support and funding.
This group educated themselves and the community about the issue, drawing inspiration from Focus Hope in Detroit, Michigan, to design a program model for implementation in Canada. With the backing of political leaders like MP Dave Van Kestern and a mentorship relationship with Focus Hope Founder Eleanor Josaitis, the We Are One Lunch Program gained momentum. In 2017, the initiative was well-received by the Canadian Federal government. The Ministry of Families, Children, and Social Development embraced the We Are One Lunch Program as part of the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy released in August 2018, and Cathy Staal was encouraged to apply to sit on the National Advisory Council on Poverty.
To bring this initiative to fruition, strategic partners and community support are crucial for the program’s success. Community support played a pivotal role in Chatham-Kent and other communities throughout Canada. In 2019, the Canadian Federal government committed to funding a National Nutritious School Lunch Program, and the We Are One Lunch Program piloted the program at several schools. In 2022, the We Are One Lunch Program conducted a two-week pilot at a school in Chatham-Kent as part of a reconciliation project, providing a pathway to justice for indigenous children and their families. In 2024, the We Are One Lunch Program will continue to test best practice solutions for a national school lunch program in high-poverty schools located in Windsor-Essex through the generosity of sponsors. We Are One Lunch Program leaders continue to foster crucial relationships within all branches of government, the private sector, the not-for-profit sector, and the community. Through the power of perseverance, determination, and community support, we will make a national school lunch program a reality, because We Are One!