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Balanced breakfast

Howard and helpers feeding dozens of kids

Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Sep 19/01) - His voice rings out cheerfully above clinking dishes and the constant chatter of more than 50 kids.



James Howard readies breakfast for more than 50 students every school morning in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo


He adds a touch of sternness to his easy-going style, just enough so the kids take him seriously.

"Everyone's washed their hands and signed up, right? I don't want to see anybody up here who hasn't washed their hands first."

James Howard is in his third year running the early-morning breakfast program at Maani Ulujuk middle school in Rankin Inlet.

The program is open to all students and helps them start their school day off right with a tasty, nutritious breakfast.

The first year Howard took over the program, he served about 12 kids.

That number has risen to more than 50, and Howard and his two loyal helpers, Claude Naulalik and Pelagie Aggark, meet the challenge every morning.

There are seven tables facing the serving area, with six, sometimes seven, chairs pulled up to each table.

By 7:45 a.m., half of the tables are full of kids. By 8:15, there's not an empty chair to be had.

The smells of cooking bacon and bannock fill the air, while an appreciative glow brightens the face of everyone being served.

While cereal, juice and fresh fruit are almost always present, the main staples of the menu are changed daily to keep the diners from getting bored.

Howard has gone to a great deal of effort to make sure the morning program is enjoyable and healthy.

"We've had a nutritionist look at the menu to make sure it's well-balanced, but there's also health concerns you have to be aware of. Our kids tend to not be overly talkative and some of them might be lactose intolerant, allergic to nuts, whatever," he says.

"Input from the families and good communication is very, very important to ensure everyone is in a safe environment and fed properly."

The Brighter Futures program has budgeted $50,000, through the hamlet to run the breakfast program for the school year.

As the clock ticks past 8:30 a.m. Howard starts to encourage the stragglers and slowpokes to pick up the pace.

"How can we expect kids to pay attention in class if their stomachs are talking louder than their teachers?" he asks, before politely excusing himself and moving back among the kids.

"C'mon now. Let's go guys. Eat up. I don't want anybody late for school."

"Yes, James."