Feed the way to a thriving Winnipeg
About the Universal Nutrition Program
LRSD's Universal Nutrition Program (UNP) launched in September 2024. The program ensures that healthy meals and snacks are available to all students throughout the school day—free of charge and without barriers. Funding for the UNP is provided by federal and provincial governments, together with contributions from charitable and non-profit organizations. Our goal is to provide students with access to fresh, nutritious, and locally sourced food to promote health, academic success, and community engagement. The LRSD Nutrition Program is more than just meals—it's about creating connections, honouring diversity, and building a stronger community.
Food Safety & Compliance
Food safety remains at the core of our operations. All schools have access to a variety of grab-and-go, pre-packaged options such as yogurt, cheese, whole and cut fruits, vegetables, milk, and granola bars. Schools with health permits may also offer foods that require preparation and reheating.
Expansion of Food Preparation Permits Across Schools
One (1) additional permit in process
Kitchen Infrastructure Upgrades
Substantial investments have been made to modernize kitchen facilities across the division, supporting expanded food preparation capacity and maintaining strong food safety standards.
Recently Upgraded Schools:
- Frontenac School
- Marion School
- Victor H.L. Wyatt School
- Victor Mager School
- École Henri-Bergeron
- École Varennes
- St. Geroge School (partial update)
- Lavallee School (partial update)
Looking ahead: Three additional schools are scheduled for upgrades within the next 12 months.
Modern Equipment & Technology
We have upgraded from domestic to commercial-grade equipment, introducing advanced combi ovens with cloud-based technology, remote recipe upload capability, and tablet-based controls to improve consistency, efficiency, and food safety.
Our equipment includes built-in food safety guidance with temperature monitoring and step-by-step recipe instructions to ensure consistency and safety across all locations.
Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint through innovative practices and equipment:
Waste Reduction Initiatives
- Milk dispensing machines: Significant reduction in packaging waste
- Commercial dishwashers: Enable use of reusable plates, utensils, and containers
- Reduced single-use plastics: Across all food service operations
- Efficient water and energy use: Through modern commercial equipment
RDC Commissary Kitchen: Division-Wide Food Access
The René Deleurme Centre Commissary serves as the hub of our comprehensive food service approach, with goals to increase access, reduce duplication, and save staff time across all 41 schools.
Since September 2024, commissary usage has grown significantly, with orders increasing by more than 375 per cent during the initial implementation phase. Growth has continued year-over-year, with RDC recording approximately 29 per cent increased activity compared to last year, reflecting rising participation and higher food volumes across the division. Notably, the first week of January 2026 alone exceeded the average monthly volume observed during the 2024/25 school year, underscoring the rapid pace of expansion and the ongoing demand for centralized food production that reduces labor duplication at school sites.
Weekly Production Averages:
Over 50 menu items available from bulk packaging to individual meals, supporting up to 18 schools on peak service days.
Staffing & Community Impact
The commissary operates with a diverse staffing model that creates meaningful opportunities for skill-building and pathways to employment:
- Core staff – Experienced food service professionals
- Student support – Hands-on learning and work experience
- Community volunteers – Building connections and capacity
External Food Service Partnerships
We partner with vetted external food service providers to complement our in-house commissary operations, ensuring safe, diverse, and reliable food options.
Service Overview
- Twice-weekly deliveries to schools
- 368 items available for full-menu schools
- 121 items available for limited-menu schools
- Over $1 million annual investment in food
Volume Growth
356 per cent increase in volume from September 2024 to May 2025
Related Links
Canada's Food Guide
Canada’s food guide is Health Canada’s guidance on healthy eating for people in Canada two years of age and older.
School Nutrition Guidelines
The Guidelines apply to foods sold in schools or provided by schools in Manitoba and are divided into six areas of focus.
Learn More