The kitchen at the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Catholic Education Centre (CEC) is more than just busy this July—it’s alive with purpose. Eleven OCSB high school co-op students, guided by Algonquin College chefs Wes Wilkinson and Chris Lundy, are spending their summer learning the art of cooking while making a real difference in the community.
Each day, these students gain hands-on culinary experience—mastering skills like meal prep, kitchen safety, and teamwork—while preparing hundreds of nutritious meals. Not only are they serving affordable, restaurant-quality dishes to CEC staff, but they’re also cooking 250 meals every week for the Caldwell Family Centre, a local non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the impact of poverty in Ottawa. The Centre provides food, resources, and support to individuals and families facing food insecurity, helping them live with dignity and hope.
This project was the result of a shared partnership between the OCSB’s Intermediate/Secondary Student Success Department and the Skills Council of Canada, an organization dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities for students. The Skills Council of Canada secured the government grant that made this initiative possible.
More Than Kitchen Skills
For these students, the program goes beyond learning to chop, season, and plate. It’s about discovering how their talents can help others. Under the mentorship of Chefs Wilkinson and Lundy, they’re experiencing firsthand how food can bring people together, offer comfort, and build stronger communities.
This summer initiative is a true example of OCSB’s spiritual theme, “Open Doors, Build Bridges, Nourish New Beginnings.” It opens doors for students to learn and grow, builds bridges through acts of service, and nourishes new beginnings for those who need a helping hand.
Why It Matters
Programs like this highlight how education can extend beyond the classroom. Students leave with valuable job skills, a sense of purpose, and the pride of knowing their work is feeding both bodies and spirits in our city. At the same time, families supported by the Caldwell Family Centre receive nutritious, freshly prepared meals crafted with care and compassion.
Throughout July 2025, menus and updates are shared with CEC staff, but the impact of this program reaches far beyond one building. It shows what can happen when learning, leadership, and compassion come together—and why we’re so proud of these students and mentors for using their skills to serve the greater good.
