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Prince George, B.C. – Residents in the West Bowl area are invited to a community breakfast tomorrow morning from 8-9 a.m. in the gymnasium at Westwood Elementary.

The school is hosting the free event to celebrate the success of its morning breakfast program which was launched in November and feeds anywhere from 30-50 kids each day.

The program is funded primarily by Sinclar Group Forest Products and the Rotary Club of Prince George. The Westwood Parent Advisory Council then buys the food, prepares it, and serves it up.

“This breakfast is about celebrating everybody that makes it possible,” says principal Steve Dalla Lana, who notes the food – which ranges from waffles and pancakes to cereals, yogurts and cheese – has made a big difference to students. “We’ve noticed a significant improvement in their learning and ability to focus.”

Westwood Elementary School principal Steve Dalla Lana and Westwood PAC chair Tanya Penner

Westwood PAC chair Tanya Penner is one of six parents who helps serve the students.

“There was a need here and we wanted to see if we could do it and so far, we’ve been very successful. The plan is to keep it going year after year.”

Looking ahead, both say they’d like to renovate the breakfast room in the school where the program is held.

It would require new cabinets, a washer/dryer, a stove and rewiring. Anyone interested in donating can contact Penner via email at tanyapenner@shaw.ca.