Bridge the Ocean Project Finland - Emma Simard's Story

It is no wonder the Finnish are the happiest people on the planet. Although our biologist lecture disagreed, the statistic is not based on mood, but the physical and mental health of the citizens.

How could a Fin be unhappy if you are what you eat, and the Fins eat a balanced diet of vegetables, whole grains and protein. The typical lunch we NSCC students experienced consisted of a salad bar with thinly sliced or grated vegetables – easy to digest – a hot dish or two containing carbs and protein, rye bread and lots of “kahvi”. Not one lunchtime meal served to us excluded a food group, and it was quite tasty as well. A Canadian lunch cannot boast the same qualities. School children are starved of nutrients unless a diligent mother packs their lunch in a precious tupperware, even still they may receive white bread with sugar-y jam and peanut butter, with candies as the side.

The Dutch group was not as impressed, believing that lunch is a cold and quick meal, but scarfing down a supper-style meal at 10:45 was a delight to a Canadian who hates eggs and never wakes up on time for breakfast. The early lunch time and large meal was perfect if you skipped breakfast and large enough to hold one over at least until happy hour. Beyond the time, lunch was treated as a task, rather than a social event, so eating mindfully was imperative.

The Finnish have taken great consideration into ensuring their children and students are not only fed, but nourished, which fuels one’s mind and body and can ensure a successful generation of professionals.

Emma Simard
Business Hospitality Student
NSCC Akerley Campus