Irwin’s Hot Lunch Program fills more than bellies—it builds community

At Irwin Memorial Public School, hot lunch has become more than a monthly meal—it’s a meaningful example of what happens when a community comes together to support its kids.

The school’s hot lunch program, organized by a dedicated team of parent volunteers, offered $5 lunches each month to families as a fundraising effort. For years, the idea of feeding every student—regardless of whether they placed an order—had been quietly gaining support among parent council members and staff. But it wasn’t until 2023 that the program truly found its stride.

That year, former parent council member and local business owner Leanne Webster (Webster’s Beacon) proposed a breakthrough: approach local businesses to sponsor each hot lunch. The model would cover program expenses and allow 100 per cent of the lunch order profits to go directly to the school. She also remained a strong advocate for making sure every student received lunch, ensuring no child felt left out on hot lunch days.

With this idea in motion, and under the leadership of co-leads Dana Sinclair and Joanna Marrelli, the Irwin Parent Council was able to make hot lunches a monthly fixture, consistently highlighting local business sponsors while raising money for vital school needs, and most importantly, feeding all students.

“The model was simple but powerful,” explained Sinclair. “Parents could order lunch for $5, and thanks to sponsors covering the costs, the full profit went back to the school. And because of that support, every student could be included.”

A Community That Stepped Up—And Kept Showing Up

The School community is thankful to past year supporters and this school year’s incredible community sponsors:

• Dwight Library and the Township of Lake of Bays (prep space and use of kitchen),
• Robinson’s General Store & Baysville Country Store, 
• Bacher Construction, 
• BOR Aggregate, 
• H.O.L.D. (Hillside, Oxtongue Lake & Dwight Group), 
• Muskoka Traditions,
• Bullock’s Independent, 
• Henrietta’s Pine Bakery,
• Camp Olympia

They are also especially grateful to Robinson’s General Store and Baysville Country Store, who have been recurring monthly sponsors for the past two years—a true testament to their ongoing support and commitment to Irwin’s students.

With food costs covered, 100% of order proceeds have been reinvested directly into the school, funding vital student and staff wish list items. Items purchased over the last 3 years with the funds have included:

• New team uniforms
• A water bottle filling station
• Soccer posts and outdoor play equipment
• Toys and learning tools for kindergarten classrooms
• Outdoor learning structures
• Picnic tables
• Kitchen equipment and supplies to sustain the program itself

The team behind the effort—affectionately known as the “Hot Lunch Ladies” (and a few Hot Lunch Lads!)—was made up of 18 parent council volunteers who planned, prepped, served, and cleaned up each month. The program followed nutritional guidelines and made accommodations for allergies and food sensitivities to ensure every student could eat safely.

“We heard from school administration that attendance was always higher on hot lunch days,” said co-lead Marrelli. “Kids were excited. The food, the atmosphere—it made those days special.”

Student favourites included tacos, meatball subs, mac and cheese, waffles, and the now-legendary Track and Field “Kid-Cuterie,” a grazing-style healthy platter that kept kids fuelled during competitions. (And yes—watermelon was the runaway hit among fruit sides).

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