Culinary Hero: Sandra Copeland Honoured for Nourishing Young Minds and Bodies

At OCDSB’s Carson Grove Elementary School, the aroma of freshly baked muffins and the vibrant colours of fruits and vegetables signal more than just breakfast – they represent the dedication of Sandra Copeland, a local hero recently recognized by Metro Inc. for her extraordinary contributions to the school community. Sandra, the coordinator for the school's Breakfast Program and two other food assistance initiatives, has been awarded 1 million Moi points for her 14 years of unwavering commitment to ensuring students have access to nutritious meals.

More than just a meal provider, Sandra, a former professional chef, brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and heartfelt passion to her role. She meticulously plans, shops for, and prepares healthy food for an average of 150 students every day, transforming the simple act of breakfast into an opportunity for exploration and connection.

"I've been volunteering with the breakfast program for 14 years now," Sandra shared. "What started as a couple of hours a week when my son was a student here has blossomed into a 5-6 hour daily commitment. I handle everything – the planning, shopping, preparation, cleanup, and even the paperwork."

But for Sandra, the real reward lies in the connections she makes with the students. "One of the most magical parts of my day is introducing our diverse student population to a variety of foods that some may have never seen before," she explained. "Seeing the smiles on their faces when they try something new brings me so much joy and keeps me going."

Sandra's impact extends beyond filling hungry bellies. She cultivates a positive and welcoming atmosphere, creating a sense of community around the breakfast table. Her dedication has earned her the admiration of the school and the wider community, culminating in this well-deserved recognition from Metro Inc. Sandra Copeland's story, alongside other local heroes, serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others. She is a true culinary hero, nourishing not just bodies, but also young minds and spirits at Carson Grove Elementary School.

In Numbers: 

400: Approximate number of individual food items used daily in the program.
150: Approximate number of students who avail of this service.
135: Average number of meals served daily to students.
96: Number of muffins baked in two hours.
10-13: Average number of meals consumed per classroom daily.

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What Sandra’s Day Looks Like: 

“It is a long day, but I take my time, and I get everything done. I’m not stressed and I am happy.”
6:30 a.m.: Arrive at Carson Grove and begin preparing breakfast bins
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast prep: Organize food items, bake, portion, and prepare the meals.
8:45 a.m.: Morning rounds: Deliver breakfast bins to each classroom.
Mid-morning: Lunch break, planning, and program tracking.
10:00 a.m.: Bin collection: Collect empty breakfast bins, log leftovers, and clean up.
By 11:00 a.m.: Morning breakfast program duties complete; short break.
11:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.:Kindergarten duty: Help as a lunch monitor.
Afternoon: Collect green bins with food waste from classrooms. Consolidate scraps and manage disposal.  
Afternoon: Planning & shopping: Finalize the next day's plan and shop for supplies.
Evening: Unpack groceries and head home.

(With extracts from the press release by Metro Inc.)