In March 2026, I was thrilled to become a stepfather to two wonderful girls, ages 8 and 10, who recently moved to Canada from India. As young as they are, they face the challenge of being underweight. Every day, my partner and I work tirelessly to provide them with nutritious meals to support their development and growth. However, despite our efforts, we realized that the school environment is unintentionally working against us.

At St. Isabel Catholic Elementary School in Kanata, the children have only 15 minutes to eat their lunch each day. Observing the pace at which children eat—often chatting, socializing, or simply needing more time to finish their meals—we found this duration to be far too short. They also have limited snack times in the morning and afternoon, leaving many children, including my stepdaughters, returning home with full lunchboxes and empty stomachs.

Research shows that children need adequate nutrition throughout the day for optimal learning and academic performance. According to Stanford Children's Health, children aged 6-12 require three well-balanced meals and two snacks daily for proper growth and mental acuity. Additionally, studies affirm that adequate lunch periods not only fend off hunger but also reduce stress and encourage healthier eating habits.

Why isn't the school system acknowledging these important aspects? Even in workplaces, adults are granted at least 30 to 45 minutes to have their meals and maintain productivity, so why should our children, the future of tomorrow, be treated with less consideration? It is not just about giving them time to eat, it is about giving them the time to imbibe healthy eating habits, fostering a positive relationship with food and, most importantly, ensuring they have the energy needed to succeed academically.

I call upon the school administration of St. Isabel Catholic Elementary, along with the school district, to extend the lunch period to at least 30 minutes. This change will not only align with educational best practices but also prioritize the health and well-being of our children. By doing so, we will create a learning environment that truly nurtures every aspect of their being.

Please join me in advocating for the change our children desperately need. Sign this petition to increase the lunchtime at St. Isabel Catholic Elementary School. Let's work together to ensure that our kids have every opportunity for growth and success both inside and outside the classroom.