KATHERINE MACFARLANE

I have been the Food for Thought Vice-Chair since 2018. During my 30+ years with as an educator, resource teacher, and administrator in the Brandon School Division, I have been committed to promoting inclusion for all children. We know that when students feel safe and secure - and when their needs are met - they can learn. I have seen firsthand the positive impact of barrier-free access to nutritious breakfasts and snacks at school and am grateful to be a part of this important work.

SHERRY BAKER

LON CULLEN

Board Member since 1998 (founding member). As a former school principal I found that learning was impacted when children came to school hungry. They could not concentrate as well when their basic needs were not being met. Food for Thought came out of a group of individuals who sought to remove or overcome that barrier to learning and nourishment so that children could reach their potential.

DAVE LIM

Board Member since 2008. Brandon’s Food for Thought is important to me because it is ensuring that no student will come to school hungry. We are also ensuring those students who need a nutritional breakfast or snack are getting one so they can focus more on their learning at school. I have seen how Brandon’s Food for Thought Program has made such a positive impact on students throughout the Brandon School Division.

MARCY THOMSON

I have been a strong supporter and advocate of the Food for Thought program since its beginning, serving on the research committee and helping shape the action plan, and now currently a board member. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand as a staff of the Food for Thought program, as a teacher, and as an administrator, how providing breakfast and snacks gives students more than just a meal—it gives them energy, focus, regulation, and a positive start to their day.
As more family’s experience challenges, many children are coming to school hungry, carrying this silent struggle with them each day. When this basic need is met, our students are empowered to learn, grow, and rise to their reach full potential. The program not only provides meals for students, but also fosters connections, supports attendance, teaches valuable life skills, and creates a welcoming environment where they feel cared for, respected, and valued.
I strongly believe in the saying, “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. With the support of corporate sponsors, our greater community, and our schools, Food for Thought continues to provide students with the foundation they need—providing nourishment, building confidence, and opening doors to opportunity.

BARB MILLER

ANGIE STRACHAN

Program Coordinator since fall 2017. I am passionate and an advocate with Brandon’s Food for Thought Program. From volunteering at my children’s school and working as a lunch supervisor I have seen how many students are coming to school hungry which affects their learning. Partnering with our community and educating students and families about the importance of eating a nutritional breakfast or snack will benefit these students in many ways.