Students at Regina’s Thomson Community School (Saskatchewan) are benefiting from a new breakfast initiative that offers free vegan meals alongside lessons in social justice. The revamped breakfast program, known as the Thomson Food Collective, is a collaboration involving Tiro Mthembu, co-owner of local restaurant The Hampton Hub, along with Thomson Community School and various community members.

The menu features a variety of creative options, such as Riel’s Resilience pancakes and Freedom French Toast, all designed to be healthy and vegan. In addition to nourishing meals, the program aims to spark students’ interest in daily social justice topics.

The breakfast offerings include items like Malala’s Empowerment Bowl, a dish of rice and beans inspired by Malala Yousafzai, a renowned advocate for girls’ education who faced life-threatening challenges for her beliefs.

Mthembu drew inspiration from the Black Panther Party, which organized free breakfast programs in the 1960s to support low-income communities. He has long envisioned a program that could similarly uplift families in the area.

Keilyn Howie, a Grade 1 and 2 teacher at Thomson, met Mthembu shortly before the school year began. Recognizing that the school’s existing breakfast program was struggling, she connected with Mthembu during a lecture at The Hampton Hub about teacher activism. Together, they quickly developed the new initiative, secured administrative approval, and organized volunteers.

Initial reactions from students to the vegan meals were mixed, but many have since embraced the food enthusiastically. Some students have even described the meals as a “party in their mouth,” appreciating the flavorful and fresh options.

The program not only serves delicious food but also weaves in themes of environmental justice and equitable living. Conversations among students and their families during breakfast have been lively and enriching, contributing to a positive atmosphere. Overall, the Thomson Food Collective is fostering both a sense of community and a deeper understanding of social issues among its young participants.

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