The Saskatchewan government has signed a $16-million deal with Ottawa to expand school food programs.
The agreement will see the federal government invest the money over three years.
The funds are in addition to the $2.7 million allocated to Saskatchewan’s Child Nutrition Program in the 2024-25 budget.
“The provincial government has provided some funding for school nutrition, traditionally as well, which has helped deliver these school food programs to this point,” shared Dr. Shawson Davidson, the president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA).
“This announcement essentially will close to double the existing investment in school nutrition.”
Davidson added the funding will allow existing nutrition programs in schools to expand.
Regina Food for Learning, a not-for-profit organization in the Queen City, says food insecurity among students in the community has been an ongoing issue.
“Last year, we provided a combination of snacks, breakfast and lunches, like 177,000 meals to a little over 1,000 kids in 17 schools. The need is there,” Executive Director Lin Gennutt explained.
Ottawa says the initiative expands on Saskatchewan’s food program, allowing more students to benefit.
It says families in the province with two children are expected to save an average $800 a year on grocery bills.
School divisions and community organizations are to deliver the program and base it off need and capacity.
Gennutt says the funding from the government will help feed many more students.
“That’s a huge financial influx that’s coming into the province to help pay for the food,” she explained.
“I think it’s going to be a very big bonus and they’re going to feed an awful lot more kids, and I’m not sure how the money’s going to be allocated yet or where it’s going to go to but, regardless of where it goes it’s going to help people, our kids.”
Although it is not clear how the funds will be distributed to the 27 school boards across Saskatchewan, the SSBA says it believes it will be distributed through the traditional provincial funding model.
Ottawa says it wants to make sure children most affected by food insecurity have access to consistent and nutritious meals.
“When kids are hungry, they can’t focus - it’s that simple,” federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds said in a statement.
“Filling their bellies with nutritious food will set them up for success. It also helps parents save hundreds on groceries. It’s a game changer for everyone.”
Saskatchewan Education Minister Everett Hindley said basic nutrition helps students perform better.
“This funding will make a difference and allow us to continue to support the well-being of children and families who need it most across our growing province,” he said.
