On May 27, 2026, The Schroeder Foundation announced an initial $1.5 million investment in Seven Oaks School Division and Terra Bay Food Services Inc. to ensure students have the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Terra Bay Food Services Inc. is a charity wholly supported by The Schroeder Foundation.
The commitment from The Schroeder Foundation will go toward food programming, food infrastructure, and wrap-around student support for young learners at Collège Garden City Collegiate and Elwick Community School. The $1.5 million is an approximate investment for the 2026/2027 school year. Exact support costs will be determined and adjusted as required to reflect program demand and rising food costs. The commitment will be reassessed on a yearly basis, taking into account student needs and program demand.
The initial investments in Seven Oaks School Division and Terra Bay Food Services Inc. include:
- $300,000 to build a dedicated Universal Food Program Kitchen at Collège Garden City Collegiate.
- $250,000 to redevelop Culinary Classrooms at Collège Garden City Collegiate to expand programming and better integrate classroom learning with the school food program.
- $70,000 in infrastructure and equipment upgrades at Elwick Community School to strengthen food programming.
- $270,000 in annual support to provide up to 160 weekly food hampers (52 weeks per year) for families in the Seven Oaks School Division community.
- In-kind donation of kitchen equipment valued at $200,000 for Collège Garden City Collegiate.
- Funding for free and subsidized meals at Collège Garden City Collegiate and Elwick Community School.
- Outreach supports that address absenteeism and support student engagement and well-being.
- Operations, staffing and food costs for food programming.
The redevelopment of culinary spaces at Collège Garden City Collegiate will create hands-on learning and employment pathways for students, including opportunities to support cafeteria and kitchen operations as interns and part-time employees.
“The Schroeder Foundation is wholly committed to supporting young learners in Winnipeg. We are proud to partner with Seven Oaks, a school division that puts students first and understands the needs of their community,” said Duane Brothers, spokesperson for the Winnipeg initiatives of The Schroeder Foundation. “By investing in food security, practical learning opportunities, and wraparound support, these partnerships will strengthen student well-being and success, while creating a lasting impact for students and families.”
“When students are nourished, supported, and connected to opportunity, they are better positioned to succeed,” said Tony Kreml, Superintendent of Seven Oaks School Division. “Partnerships like this help make that possible.”
Infrastructure and equipment upgrades will begin June 2026 to prepare for food program delivery when school begins in September 2026. Food hamper program to begin July 2026.
The Schroeder Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Canadians through long-term investments in education, healthcare, and the arts. The Schroeder Foundation has been empowering students and their families in Winnipeg’s underserved neighbourhoods since 2016 through food programming, scholarships, equipment funding, career pathways, student supports, and more.
For more information or to arrange interviews with Duane Brothers or Tony Kreml, Seven Oaks School Division, please contact:
Varinder Brar
varinder.brar@thechangemakers.com
Or Ellen Woodman
