The mouthwatering aroma of garlic potato soup filled the halls of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School on Wednesday, March 19, as students eagerly awaited a warm and comforting meal. The Soup for School Food event, organized by Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) Coordinator for Chatham-Kent, Rosanna Waldram, in partnership with the school administration, brought the entire student body (over 700 students and staff) together for a shared experience of good food and community. The delicious soup, generously donated by Mamma Maria’s, was met with excitement and delight.
Rather than lining up for their meal, students remained at their desks as volunteers made their way through the halls with carts carrying steaming bowls of soup. The anticipation was palpable as spoons dipped in and the rich, savory scent filled each classroom. Many students were trying this comforting dish for the first time, and one enthusiastically declared, “It’s like my favorite meal—mashed potatoes—turned into soup!”
Volunteers, including Lisa Tetrault and Jennelle Arnew from Public Health, Kim Jenkins from FirstOntario Credit Union, Leah Cabral from Noelle’s Gift to Children, as well as St. Clair Catholic’s Director of Education Scott Johnson, and Board Chaplain Jamie Soulliere, joined in to help serve, ensuring that every student received a hot meal and a warm experience.
“Mamma Maria’s has given our students such a wonderful gift—not just a delicious and nutritious meal, but a moment of togetherness and care,” said Principal Sara Vadovic. “We are so grateful for their generosity and for OSNP’s work in making this happen at St. Teresa. It was a truly special day.”
For OSNP, the Soup for School Food campaign is about more than just providing meals—it’s about creating meaningful connections around nutrition. “There’s something magical about sharing a warm bowl of soup,” said Rosanna Waldram. “When we introduce students to new flavors and experiences, it sparks curiosity about healthy eating in the most enjoyable way. Seeing their excitement today was incredible.”
The event was also an opportunity for local organizations to get involved in a hands-on way. “Serving soup has been such a fun experience,” said Kim Jenkins from FirstOntario Credit Union. “Watching the students’ faces light up when they got their bowls, hearing them talk about how much they loved it—this is why supporting local initiatives like this is so important. It directly impacts the students in the best way possible!”
With full bowls and full hearts, the students of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School walked away with more than just a meal—they carried a memory of kindness and generosity in action. Mamma Maria’s gift was so generous that the school was able to share the love, delivering extra soup to Hope Haven, a local shelter, so even more people could enjoy a warm meal.
