Federal government launches national school food program to help Canadian families

BY PAUL JUNOR

Monday, April 1^st, 2024, was the launch of Canada’s first national school program.

High grocery costs, fuel prices, rent and mortgage payments have placed a great deal of stress, pressure and challenges on Canadians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the public announcement that there would be an investment of one billion dollars over a five-year span that was included in the federal budget released in 2024. It is estimated that more than 400,000 children will receive meals every year on top of meals that many are receiving from current school programs.

Prime Minister Justin states, “The National Food Program is a game changer. The program will take pressure off families, invest directly in the future of our kids, and make sure they’re able to reach their full potential, feeling healthy and happy. This is about fairness and doing what’s right for our kids to get the best start in life.”

Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy PM and Minister of Finance states, “Since 2015, we have reduced child poverty from 16.3% to just 6.4% in 2021, lifting 650,000 kids out of poverty. Today, the rising price of groceries is making it tough for families, especially millennial parents, to afford the food their kids need. To make sure every kid gets their fair chance at a greater start in life, we are launching a one-billion-dollar National School Program to help another 400,000 kids get the food they need to thrive.”

Honourable Jenna Scudds (Minister of Families, Children and Social Development) states, “We’re creating a National School Food Program because kids learn better on a full stomach. This program will have an incredible impact supporting parents with the higher costs of groceries, and giving children every opportunity to: learn, grow, and reach their full potential.”

The Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF/FCE) have advocated for such a program for years. They have collaborated with organizations such as the Breakfast Clubs of Ontario, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food to present the case for this.

Debbie Field (Coordinator of the Coalition) states, “We are thrilled that the government has taken this momentous step for Canada and joined the rest of the G7, and most other countries in the world in recognizing the critical importance of school food.”

Heidi Yetman, CEO of CTF/FCE states, “With more families struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, the implementation of Universal School Food Program is necessary to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals. This program will also contribute greatly to creating more inclusive learning environments and supporting students’ overall successes.”

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is also in favour of this national food program but has expressed concerns about its equitable introduction by the Ontario government.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2024, they note, “By investing in this program, the federal government is demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of Canada’s youth and the nation’s prosperity. However, for the program to be successful, the funds must be administered efficiently and effectively. Ontarians cannot afford another failed implementation by the Ford government akin to its mismanagement of federal childcare funding, which led to delay and frustration.”