Lunch Hour
There are two lunch shifts, each containing approximately half of the children.
- First Lunch - 12:00 PM – 12:23 PM
- Second Lunch - 12:23 PM – 12:49 PM
Lunchroom Absence
If your child is absent from the lunch program for any reason, please send a note or phone call to Judy Funk 403- 777-8140.
Lunch Supervision
In order to eat lunch at school in our lunchroom program, all students must be registered. If you have not yet registered for the year please visit our Lunch Supervision page for more information.
Allergy Accommodation
The lunchroom provides a seating area specifically for children with nut allergies. Please let us know if you have particular concerns that require accommodation. Any child can sit at that table as long as they do not have nut products and there is space available. See more on Allergies.
Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle
Please provide reusable containers for lunch items rather than throw away paper, plastic or foil. No glass containers please and send utensils from home for your child’s lunch if needed. No hot water is available, and we do not have access to microwaves for warming lunches. Heated lunches should be sent in a thermos so that your child can carry his/her own soup to their respective table. Lunchroom supervisors will help open the thermos if a child needs help.
Lunch Room Fees
Erin Woods School is committed to being accountable to parents for all lunchroom fees collected. Full time fees for students are determined by the CBE annually. There is a drop-in fee of $5 per day, per child. Learn more in Fees & Waivers on the CBE website.
Home-Packed Lunch Tips for Parents
Lunch is an important part of your child’s day at school. Here are some tips to help you provide a lunch that is safe and nutritious with less waste.
Food Safety
- Keep cold food cold by using an insulated lunch bag and 1-2 ice packs.
- Keep hot food hot by using an insulated container. Preheat your container with boiling water before adding hot food. Microwave ovens are not available for elementary students.
- Pack non-perishables, such as granola bars and whole fruit, that can be kept at room temperature.
- Most CBE schools are nut-aware, please check with your child’s teacher for more information on nut allergies and other allergies in your child’s classroom.
Help Reduce Waste
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Pack just enough for a child to eat during lunch.
- Many schools participate in “boomerang lunches” (pack in/pack out), where all leftover items are returned home.
Tip: Pack a sealable bag or container labeled ‘garbage’ for uneaten food or open containers to avoid mess in the lunch bag.
In 2024, ten CBE schools participated in a waste audit conducted by Green Calgary. Here are a few suggestions from the audit to help minimize waste produced by packed lunches:
- Send less selections of food. Younger children have difficulty deciding what to eat when there is a lot of choice and sometimes end up not eating.
- When possible, use reusable containers for foods such as crackers and cut up fruits or vegetables.
Other Tips
- Make sure your child can open all packages by themselves.
- Involve your child in packing their lunch. Children involved in food preparation may be more likely to try new foods and eat what is packed, minimizing food waste.
- Aim to include a food from each food group – lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables should be eaten daily (as per Canada’s Food Guide 2019).
- Some items, such as sandwiches, can be made ahead and frozen to save time. Note that some fillings such as fresh vegetables do not freeze well.
- Designate a shelf in the fridge/pantry at home for lunch items. This may help make packing lunches quicker and encourage independence for children packing their own lunches.
References