Zenterra Supports the Surrey Schools Meal Program

At Zenterra, we believe in giving back to the communities in which we build. Our commitment doesn’t end when the homes are complete. It continues in the ways we help those communities grow, thrive, and take care of one another, especially the students who represent Surrey’s future. That is why we are proud to support the Surrey Schools Meal Program, and we are thrilled to share the results from the 2025-2026 Impact Report.

Surrey Schools Meal Program: Key Results for 2025-2026

This school year, the Surrey Schools Meal Program served an incredible 1,152,550 breakfasts and lunches to students across the district. More than 2,100 students received breakfast through the program, while 4,121 students received lunches daily.

The program’s reach also expanded significantly, growing to 92 breakfast sites and 121 lunch sites across Surrey. New initiatives launched this year include 31 community snack fridges and frozen take home meals available across 17 sites, giving even more students access to nutritious food both in and out of the classroom.

What Students Eat Through the Meal Program

Every day, students across the district receive a variety of healthy options, including eggs, milk, fruit, pasta, chicken Caesar salad, and sandwiches that help keep them energized and ready to learn.

Student Impact Stories

The impact of the Surrey Schools Meal Program goes far beyond nutrition.

Consider the story of a Grade 3 student, new to Canada, whose parents leave for work early each morning. Without time to prepare breakfast, this student often arrived at school tired, hungry, and dealing with headaches. Since joining the breakfast program, mornings look different. This student now arrives early and rushes into the breakfast room with excitement to eat alongside classmates before the bell rings. Teachers have noticed the difference, not just in attention and energy, but in the enthusiasm brought to each new school day.

Or the story of a Grade 7 student, also new to Canada, who found the transition into a new school system overwhelming. His family’s financial strain meant he often sat alone at lunch with little more than a piece of fruit to eat. Since joining the lunch program, he has built friendships with fellow students who share his love of soccer, and lunch has become a source of connection rather than isolation. He now looks forward to school each day with a renewed sense of confidence.

What Parents, Students, and Staff Are Saying

Parent Testimonial: “Knowing our children will have a nutritious breakfast each day is invaluable. It’s something we truly need support with, and having access to it feels like a gift. We feel very fortunate to be part of this program.”

Student Testimonial: “The lunches at school are so delicious and having lunch helps me think better and stay focused, especially during math and reading. I am so happy that I get to have lunch at school and eat with my friends!”

Staff Testimonial: “The meal programs have had a meaningful impact on one of our students. She used to sit alone during classes and would sometimes cry because she missed her mom and dad. She often shared that she only had a small snack for the entire day and would feel hungry and exhausted by lunch. Since joining the breakfast and lunch program, she has made new friends, looks forward to breakfast and lunch, and has the energy she needs to start and finish the school day strong.”

Why Zenterra Supports the Surrey Schools Meal Program

At Zenterra, community is at the heart of everything we build. Supporting programs like the Surrey Schools Meal Program reflects our belief that a thriving community starts with taking care of its youngest members. When students arrive at school nourished and ready to learn, they are set up to reach their full potential, both in the classroom and beyond.

Our support for the meal program is part of Zenterra Cares, our ongoing commitment to giving back through time and funding in the communities where we build. For nearly a decade, Zenterra has supported meal programs across Surrey and Langley, helping ensure students have consistent access to nutritious food. Beyond funding, many of our own team members volunteer directly at schools, taking part in serving meals and connecting with students and staff on the ground.

We extend our thanks to Surrey Schools, the dedicated staff who identify and support students in need, and every donor whose generosity makes this program possible. Together, we are helping ensure that students across Surrey have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Zenterra Developments is proud to support the communities we build in, including the students and families of Surrey and Langley, BC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many meals did the Surrey Schools Meal Program serve in 2025-2026? The program served 1,152,550 breakfasts and lunches to students across the Surrey school district in the 2025-2026 school year.

How many students benefit from the Surrey Schools Meal Program? More than 2,100 students received breakfast and 4,121 students received lunches daily through the program.

How many schools does the meal program cover? The program operates across 92 breakfast sites and 121 lunch sites in Surrey, along with 31 community snack fridges and frozen take home meals at 17 sites.

Why does Zenterra support the Surrey Schools Meal Program? Zenterra supports the program as part of its commitment to building strong, healthy communities across Surrey and Langley, BC, ensuring students have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive.

What is Zenterra Cares? Zenterra Cares is Zenterra’s community giving program, supporting initiatives like the Surrey Schools Meal Program through both funding and staff volunteer time. Zenterra has supported meal programs across Surrey and Langley for nearly a decade.

Where can I learn more or donate to Surrey Schools initiatives?
You can support local students and school programs through a secure online donation by visiting the Surrey Schools Giving page.