What did you have for lunch today? A growing body of research shows that what children are eating for breakfast and lunch – and the environment in which they’re eating – is critically important for their growth and development. Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer (PhD), a professor in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Department of Community Health and Epidemiology in the College of Medicine, is a strong proponent of school food programs that give young people access to structured and nutritional meals. Engler-Stringer's work highlights the positives of school food programs, from nutritional benefits to social and community support and equality for students. These school food programs have seen success in countries around the world, leading to short and long-term benefits for the students involved – but researchers like Engler-Stringer are looking to keep building the body of research to support growing school food programs in Canada. The Government of Canada announced a $1 billion investment for a national school food program in 2024. While that support is crucial, the shape that program takes will need to be supported by robust research. On this episode of the USask Signature Series podcast, we answer the question “What should your children be eating for lunch?” Listen to the episode to learn more! Host: Matt Olson Producers: Matt Olson and Leslie-Ann Schlosser Editor: Matt Olson Graphics and Marketing: USask Research Profile and Impact office Original Music created by Silas Friesen Questions? Email [email protected] out USask research on Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn and on the University of Saskatchewan's web pages!

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