Ontario Signs On to Federal National School Food Program, Providing Meals to Nearly 1 Million Students

Nearly one million children across Ontario will gain access to nutritious school meals this year as the province joins Canada’s National School Food Program. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the partnership on Friday, making Ontario the third province to sign on, following Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba.

Under the initiative, the federal government is investing $108.5 million over three years to support school food programs in Ontario. The funding will enhance meal accessibility while also addressing logistical challenges such as transportation, storage, and preparation equipment costs.

“This program will take pressure off families, invest directly in the future of our kids, and ensure they’re able to reach their full potential – feeling healthy and happy,” said Trudeau. He described the initiative as a “game changer” for Canadian families and emphasized its role in providing children with the best start in life.

More kids in Ontario are now going to have healthy meals guaranteed in school, and families are going to save hundreds of dollars on groceries along the way — thanks to our National School Food Program.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 22, 2024

Minister Kamal Khera, who was present during the announcement, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We’re going to work hand in hand with the federal government to make sure kids don’t go to school hungry.”

9.8 million!

That’s how many meals our school food program will be serving to kids across Ontario!

But it’s not just good for children—it’s also going to save parents $800 in grocery bills, on top of the savings families will see from our two-month GST/HST tax break. pic.twitter.com/MVO3lRtsD9

— Kamal Khera (@KamalKheraLib) November 22, 2024

Government officials revealed that the program’s expansion will impact nearly 75% of Ontario schools, resulting in 9.8 million additional meals served to students. Notably, 130,000 of these meals will be distributed to children in Indigenous communities across the province, fostering inclusivity and addressing systemic inequities.

The National School Food Program, initially unveiled in April, has committed $1 billion over five years. It aims to provide meals to 400,000 more children annually, complementing existing provincial and local school meal programs.

Research underscores the significant impact of school meal programs on students’ learning outcomes and overall well-being. A study by Breakfast Club of Canada found that children with access to regular school meals show improved focus, academic performance, and social behavior.

As the National School Food Program continues to roll out across the country, policymakers hope it will not only alleviate financial pressures on families but also foster healthier and more equitable learning environments.

Ontario Signs On to Federal National School Food Program, Providing Meals to Nearly 1 Million Students

Under the initiative, the federal government is investing $108.5 million over three years to support school food programs in Ontario.

Under the initiative, the federal government is investing $108.5 million over three years to support school food programs in Ontario. The funding will enhance meal accessibility while also addressing logistical challenges such as transportation, storage, and preparation equipment costs.

Minister Kamal Khera, who was present during the announcement, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We’re going to work hand in hand with the federal government to make sure kids don’t go to school hungry.”

The National School Food Program, initially unveiled in April, has committed $1 billion over five years. It aims to provide meals to 400,000 more children annually, complementing existing provincial and local school meal programs.

Research underscores the significant impact of school meal programs on students’ learning outcomes and overall well-being. A study by Breakfast Club of Canada found that children with access to regular school meals show improved focus, academic performance, and social behavior.

As the National School Food Program continues to roll out across the country, policymakers hope it will not only alleviate financial pressures on families but also foster healthier and more equitable learning environments.

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