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By rdnewsNOW Staff

"HEALTHY MEALS MAKE HEALTHY MINDS"

Alberta and Canada reach agreement to increase funding for student meals

Mar 11, 2025 | 12:41 PM

The Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada have reached an agreement to supplement proposed provincial funding for student meals with $42 million in federal funding.

The Canada-Alberta National School Food Program Agreement was negotiated between Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds and Alberta’s Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides.

“Ensuring students have access to proper nutrition is a priority for our government. No one learns well on an empty stomach – that’s why we are partnering with the federal government to feed more kids in more schools, and fund new and innovative nutrition programs,” said Nicolaides.

The agreement invests more than $42 million of federal funding over three years in programs that give students a daily nutritious meal that follows the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth. This is intended to supplement Alberta’s existing School Nutrition Program.

“It’s simple: we want our kids to succeed, and the National School Food Program is going to help them get there,” commented Sudds. “It makes sure that kids can reach their full potential on a full stomach, no matter where they live. It also helps parents save hundreds of dollars on groceries. This is a big win for families in Alberta.”

If passed, Budget 2025 will also allocate $20 million to Alberta’s School Nutrition Program, reaching more than 58,000 students per year at participating schools. The provincial government adds, the flexibility of the program allows local school boards to use funds to support the nutritional needs of their students while building strong connections with the community and local non-profits.

“Breakfast Club of Canada and its partners applaud the Government of Alberta for joining the other 10 provinces and territories in signing the National School Food Program agreement! This announcement demonstrates the willingness of all stakeholders to provide necessary nutrition for children as soon as possible and is an important step towards fostering the well-being of Albertan families. We believe accessing a nutritious breakfast at school is essential for a prosperous Canada,” commented Judith Barry, co-founder and director of government relations for the Breakfast Club of Canada.

Alberta’s School Nutrition Program provides nutritious meals and snacks for students while at school, offers nutrition education for students and their families and purchases food preparation, storage and serving equipment.

“Alberta School Boards Association extends its sincere thanks to the governments of Canada and Alberta for their commitment to the health and well-being of students through the signing of this agreement,” said Marilyn Dennis, president of the Alberta School Boards Association. “This funding for school food programs will help ensure more children and youth across the province have access to healthier meals essential to learn, grow and succeed in school and life.”

The Alberta government says it will engage with school boards participating in its nutrition program to ensure they are prepared for the new funding, while maintaining their flexibility to direct school nutrition funds.