Shediac – Our National School Food Program provides healthy meals to kids and sets them up for success. It’s also saving families hundreds of dollars a year in grocery bills.
Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick and Claire Johnson, New Brunswick’s Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, announced an agreement that will enable New Brunswick to support school breakfast programs at an additional 160 schools across the province, reaching over 57,000 additional kids this school year. This will help New Brunswick reach their goal of establishing a universal breakfast program across all New Brunswick schools.
Our National School Food Program is a direct investment into the middle class – helping teachers and making mornings a little easier for working families. It is also a safety net for the kids who need this support the most. As part of this agreement, the Government of Canada will invest approximately $11.2 million over the next three years to expand and enhance access to school food programs in New Brunswick to feed more kids. Enhancements will include purchasing new kitchen equipment, hiring regional program coordinators, and developing new program guidelines. Expansion will also include planning for the creation of a province-wide pay-what-you-can lunch program to be launched in future years.
Following the recently signed agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick is the fifth province to work with the Government of Canada to increase access to nutritious meals in schools for children across the country. We’re going to keep working with all provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to ensure every child in Canada has the food they need while at school.
The National School Food Program is part of the federal government’s work to put more money in your pocket. We’re creating more good middle-class jobs, building more homes, expanding affordable dental care, creating more affordable child care spots, and giving every Canadian a tax break – so they can buy the things they need and save for the things they want.
“When you’re hungry, it’s hard to learn. That’s why we’re committed to making sure kids have access to the healthy food they need, so they can focus on being kids and reach their full potential. For moms and dads this will also help them save hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. It’s truly a game changer for everyone.”- Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“It’s wonderful to see progress continue to be made through this new partnership with the Government of New Brunswick. This agreement will connect schools with local community food organizations, create opportunities for our hardworking farmers, but most importantly, it will ensure more kids have a nutritious meal while at school. – Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Every child deserves a nutritious breakfast to start their day off right. Not only does the National School Food program benefit children’s education, it also helps families save money – and give parents one less thing to worry about. Hunger will no longer be a barrier to giving every child in New Brunswick the chance to reach their full potential.”- Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
“Making sure every child in New Brunswick goes to school with a full stomach sets them up for success. With our National School Food Program, we’re investing in their future and well-being. By partnering with local organizations like Food Depot Alimentaire, we’re making access to free, healthy meals a reality for more children across our province and our country.” – Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board