Cultural Celebrations in SNPs
One of the ways culture is expressed is through the foods we eat. Planning for culturally diverse and
inclusive menus is an opportunity to reduce barriers and a chance to celebrate one another.
It is important that all students feel represented in programs, regardless of faith or culture and for
school snacks and meals to include foods that reflect the demographic of your school community.
OSNP and Growing Chefs!, a non-profit in London that works to design and improve food literacy
resources and opportunities, have worked together to create recipes that represent and celebrate
different cultures. The recipes are paired with food literacy resources to engage students in celebration
and to offer meaningful learning opportunities. OSNP and Growing Chefs! collaborated with knowledge
keepers, chefs and community groups to ensure recipes and resources reflected traditional preparation
and serving practices and were authentic in design.
Please note that as with any recipe, there are several different ways that food items can be made. The
recipes and resources featured are just one of many different ways each item may be made and
enjoyed.
2023.24 Pilot – London Middlesex
In the 2023.24 school year, OSNP piloted culturally diverse menu enhancements monthly with two schools in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and two schools in the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB), each an elementary and secondary level. Through the pilot thus far, students have expressed that they feel affirmed by not only their school community but by their peers.
Celebrations
Tamil Heritage Month (January)
January is Tamil Heritage Month, a time to honour the traditions, flavours, and culture that connect Tamil communities across the globe.
Fenugreek/Mathri Crackers are a crispy snacks, crafted with fenugreek (vendhayam), flour, and spices, and are a modern expression of the resourcefulness ingrained in Tamil cooking.
Mango is one of the “Mukkanigal“—the three sacred fruits in Tamil culture—alongside banana and jackfruit. Mangoes symbolize prosperity, fertility, and auspiciousness and plays a significant role in festivals, religious offerings, and family celebrations.
Black History Month (February)
February is Black History Month, a time to remember the struggles and celebrate the contributions of Africans and the African diaspora to Canada and the world!
Daakwa, also known as zowey, donkwa, etc. in different regions, is a spicy peanut snack ball and popular as a street food across West Africa. Our adapted recipe substitutes the peanuts for sunflower seed butter.
Plantains grow in tropical climates with high temperatures and rain, this makes them a staple food in countries across Central Africa, Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Couscous has been a staple of the Moroccan and North African diet for centuries. While its exact origins are difficult to pin down, it can be traced back to the Berbers, the Indigenous people of North Africa. Over time, it spread across the continent and became a beloved part of Moroccan cuisine.
Brazilian Carnival (February/March)
Brazilian Carnival is one of the largest cultural and religious celebrations in Brazil that takes place every year before Lent.
Pao de Queijo is a popular Brazilian cheese bread recipe, commonly eaten in the morning or for a snack during Carnival, but also all throughout the year in Brazil. It is a unique bread because it is gluten free and made from tapioca flour.
Hellenic Heritage Month (March)
In Ontario, the Hellenic Heritage Month Act was passed in 2019 to proclaim March as Hellenic Heritage Month. As well, March 25th is celebrated as Greek Independence Day!
Feta cheese has been a part of Greek food since the ancient times. It is traditionally made from sheep milk. Pita translates to “flat bread” in Greek. Greek Pita is softer and thicker than other pita breads and doesn’t have a pocket.
Eid al-Fitr (March/April)
Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast”, it’s an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan, some Muslims choose to fast from sunrise to sundown. Eid al-Fitr is a time for feasting, as well as charity, generosity, and joy.
Barazek is a delicious cookie of Syrian origin that has spread throughout the middle east and often enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr feasts.
Dates’ high glycemic index helps to restore the glycemic levels of fasters and, in turn, accelerate the feeling of satiety, making them a staple food for breaking the Muslim fast during the month of Ramadan
Nepalese New Year (April)
The Nepalese New Year, known as “Navanarsha” in Nepal, is usually held in the second week of April which is the first day of Baisakh on the Bikram Sambat calendar. Celebrations for Nepalese New Year include parties, family gatherings, cultural processions and public events.
Mango lassi popsicles offer a delightful twist on a beloved South Asian classic. Lassi is a traditional yogurt-based drink originating from the Indian subcontinent.
Indigenous History Month (June)
June is Indigenous history Month in what we now call Canada, a time to recognize the history, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
Strawberry & Wild Rice Muffins: These muffins incorporate several culturally significant ingredients that Shawn says provide both nourishment and medicinal benefits. In his culture, they give thanks for the food and for the journey that the food had to go on to get to us.
Filipino Heritage Month (June)
Filipino heritage month is observed in Canada during the month of June to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness about the Filipino community in Canada and their valuable contributions throughout Canadian history.
Ube, a purple sweet potato that is native to the Philippines. Pandesal is a slightly sweet soft bun, commonly enjoyed during merienda. Merienda refers to a light meal or snack, especially one taken in the late afternoon.
Hindu Heritage Month (November)
Canada’s first ever Hindu Heritage Month was celebrated in 2022 to recognize the positive contributions and rich culture of Canadians of Hindu Heritage. The Hindu festival of lights, known as Diwali, fluctuates in between October and November every year.
Fenugreek Crackers/Methi Mathri are a staple in many Indian households and traditionally enjoyed with masala chai (tea). These crackers are associated with festive times, as they would first be offered to the gods during Diwali as a thank you, and then offered to children.
Kwanza (December)
“Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture. It’s observed starting on December 26th and lasting until January 1st. Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa focuses on seven principles including unity, self-determination, and collective work.” Typediabeat-it
“Cooked on stovetops and served with wooden ladles, corn spoonbread serves as a tangible link to cultural heritage, highlighting the interconnectedness of food and identity across generations and continents.” Typediabeat-it