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VIDEO: Langley grocer serves up breakfast to neighbouring school

Willoughby Elementary students and their families could enjoy a free breakfast on Thursday morning.
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Hakam Cheema and his staff from Hakam’s Independent Grocer served up breakfast at Willoughy Elementary on Thursday as part of the retailer’s campaign to encourage healthy eating. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)

The lesson at Willoughby Elementary on Thursday morning was yummy.

Students and their families were able to enjoy breakfast hosted by Hakam’s Independent Grocer as part of its Raise a Food Lover initiative.

“It’s part of our awareness program,” said owner Haken Cheema. “It’s to make kids and parents aware of the nutritional value.”

The store put on a spread of cereal and breads, healthier spreads, fruit, granola bars, milk, juice, and yogurt.

“We wanted to support the local school,” Cheema added.

Principal Phillis Giovani said the grocery store has been a strong supporter of the school which welcomes interaction with the neighbourhood.

“It builds community,” she said. “They [students] learn about having a healthy breakfast.”

“It’s part of our awareness program,” said Cheema. “It’s to make kids and parents aware of the nutritional value.”

The store’s nutritionist planned the menu that was served up by store staff and the owner.

“We chose the food with the most nutritional value, something quick. It doesn’t have to be elaborate,” he said.

The store, part of the Loblaws chain which holds the Raise a Food Lover initiative, wanted to help kids learn about healthy eating in a hands-on way.

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Ivy Rathjen, three, got to go to school on Thursday morning but only for breakfast. Her family went to the Willoughby Elementary family breakfast. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
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Students and their families were served up by staff from Hakam’s Independent Grocer at a healthy breakfast. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
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Lots of families gathered at Willoughby Elementary for a special healthy breakfast hosted by the Hakam’s Independent Grocer, located next door to the school. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
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Hakam Cheema, owner of Hakam’s Independent Grocer, hosted a healthy breakfast for the Willoughby Elementary community on Thursday morning. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance)
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Willoughby Elementary students and their families were invited to breakfast on Jan. 17. As part of the Raise a Food Lover campaign, Hakam’s Independent Grocer hosted a healthy breakfast. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance)
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Grade 1 student Makayla Slade and her little brother, Grayson, who is in preschool, enjoyed the healthy foods offered at a special breakfast Thursday at Willoughby Elementary. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)
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Principal Phillis Giovani helped students such as Maya Kalsi dish up with fruits, healthy cereals and breads, and more at a special breakfast on Jan. 17. (Heather Colpitts/Black Press Media)


Heather Colpitts

About the Author: Heather Colpitts

Since starting in the news industry in 1992, my passion for sharing stories has taken me around Western Canada.
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