Whitehorse – No child should go to school hungry. And in the Yukon, where food prices are among the highest in the country, getting kids a full breakfast before they head out the door or packing school lunches is not always an easy task. That’s why school food programs are so important. They provide access to nutritious meals that can positively affect the health, well‑being, and overall success of kids in the classroom. They also save families hundreds of dollars in grocery bills.
Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, and Jeanie McLean, Yukon’s Minister of Education, announced an agreement that will enable the Yukon to enhance their existing school food programming, which currently serves approximately 6,200 kids across the territory.
Through the National School Food Program, the Government of Canada will invest approximately $7.4 million over the next three years for things like upgrading school food kitchen facilities, purchasing food and offering more nutritious meals to students. These enhancements are particularly significant for remote communities in the Yukon and will provide children most affected by food insecurity with access to more consistent and nutritious meals at school.
Building a National School Food Program that works for families is part of the federal government’s commitment to make life more affordable for families across the country so they can focus on raising their kids. We’re creating more middle-class jobs, building more homes, expanding affordable dental care and creating more affordable child care spaces—so they can buy the things they need and save for the things they want.
“When children are hungry, it can stand in the way of their learning and overall success. Today is an investment in the future of kids in the Yukon, we’re delivering a school food program that ensures that everyone will have access to the healthy meals they need. For parents and teachers, it brings peace of mind, knowing that children can reach their potential because they are focused in the classroom.” – Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“All children deserve to have the best start in life. Through this agreement with the Government of Yukon, we’re working closely with local organizations and Indigenous partners to help make sure kids have access to nutritious meals at school, allowing them to focus on learning, growing and chasing their dreams.” – Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food