From Full Tummies to Full Potential: Supporting Student Nutrition Through Top-ups for Tummies
When students have access to nutritious food at school, they are better able to focus, learn and fully participate in their day. However, for many families across our city, rising food costs and changing circumstances can make consistent access to healthy meals a challenge. That is where Top-ups for Tummies continues to make a meaningful difference across Edmonton Public Schools.
Top-ups for Tummies is made possible through the generosity of individual and community donors, including the Westman Charitable Foundation, the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund and other community supporters.
How Top-ups for Tummies Works
The Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is proud to support Division schools through Top-ups for Tummies, a program designed to strengthen school nutrition strategies and ensure equitable access to wholesome food for students who need it most.
Top-ups for Tummies allows schools across the Division to apply for funding to fill gaps in existing school nutrition programs or address emerging needs for a small number of students. Funding is used exclusively to support students while they are in school and is intended to enhance or supplement current efforts rather than replace them.
For the 2025-26 school year, schools could apply for funding allocations of up to $3,000, depending on their school community’s unique needs. This flexible approach ensures that support is responsive, dignified and grounded in local realities.
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Growing Need, Growing Impact
The demand for the Foundation’s Top-ups for Tummies program continues to rise across the Division, reflecting both increased awareness of the program and growing need within school communities.
2025–26 program highlights:
- 88 schools applied for funding, compared to 79 schools that applied in 2024–25.
- $200,000 total funding requested, compared to $171,900 requested in 2024–25.
- $170,000 approved, supporting all 88 schools at 85% of their request. This is an increase from last year’s total of $137,920, which supported all 79 schools who applied at 80% of their request.
These numbers tell a powerful story of schools actively working to ensure students have what they need to succeed and of community partners stepping up to help meet that need.
What the Funding Supports
Top-ups for Tummies funding allows schools to respond in ways that are practical, inclusive and respectful of student dignity. This year, schools will use funding for a variety of nutrition supports, including:
- Breakfast and lunch items for students who arrive at school hungry
- Fruit bowls placed in common areas for easy student access throughout the day
- Nutritious snacks provided to students in need, such as granola bars, trail mix, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs and cereal with milk
- Lunch programs that allow students to discreetly access meals alongside their peers
- Soup and bannock programs and other culturally responsive food supports
Each school-based approach reflects the specific needs of the students being served while reinforcing a sense of belonging and care within the school environment.
Nourishing Students Today, Strengthening Futures Tomorrow
To ensure the long-term sustainability of school-based nutrition supports, the Foundation continues to raise funds for the Top-ups for Tummies program year-round. These funds allow schools to respond to growing needs and continue supporting students when it matters most.
By helping schools address nutrition gaps quickly and compassionately, Top-ups for Tummies supports more than just full stomachs. It supports student well-being, learning readiness and equity across the Division.
Donate today and support full hearts, full tummies and full potential.