What happens when kids come to school hungry?

It’s harder for them to learn, focus, and feel like they belong.

That’s why the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation launched Top Up for Tummies — a program designed to complement existing school nutrition supports and fill the gaps when students need it most. By giving schools the flexibility to respond quickly, Top Up for Tummies ensures kids can learn on a full stomach, with dignity, every day.

In this episode, Renato Pagnani from Odvod Media sits down with Catherine Bay, Acting Director of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, and Christine Simmons, Division Principal for Strategic Division Supports. Together, they share how this initiative is helping schools across Edmonton respond to food insecurity — one meal at a time.

Show Notes 

Our guests today were Catherine Bay and Christine Simmons, from the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.

Learn more about the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation.

Read Renato Pagnani’s article in the latest issue of Thrive Magazine.

Learn more about Wills Week (October 6–10, 2025).

ECF Happenings: 

Find out how to create an Endowment Fund of your own. 

Read the latest issue of Thrive. 

Read the latest on our blog. 

Check out some of the amazing funds our donors have created. 

ECF Youth Grants: 

Click here to learn more about our youth grants! 

Upcoming Student Awards: 

Click here to find details for all of our student awards! 

Renato Pagnani’s interview with Catherine Bay and Christine Simmons was produced by Odvod Media.

The Well Endowed Podcast is produced by Edmonton Community Foundation.

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