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By Joel Mendelson

‘Universal access to breakfast, snack and lunch programs’: Alberta injects funding into school nutrition programs

Feb 26, 2024 | 11:06 AM

The Alberta government is investing $5 million to improve school nutrition programs.

The one-time grant aims to expand the programs to provide more students with well-rounded meals and snacks this school year.

Sandra Palazzo, chair of the Edmonton Catholic School Division, said the funding will help give students access to the food required for student success.

“These dollars, in conjunction with our partnerships with community organizations, will help provide universal access to breakfast, snack and lunch programs, which are essential to student success,” Palazzo said.

Alberta’s school nutrition program already provides daily meals to approximately 58,000 students, according to the province. The funding will reportedly enable school jurisdictions to create, continue or enhance nutrition programs in identified schools.

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Education minister Demetrios Nicolaides said proper nutrition is critical for students to excel.

“Proper nutrition is essential for student success. No one is operating at their best on an empty stomach,” Nicolaides said.

“To acknowledge the rising costs of food and services, we’re thrilled to be able to provide additional funding to support student nutrition through the end of this school year.”

This one-time grant increases the pre-existing funding by 25 per cent, bringing the total from $20 million to $25 million for the 2023-24 school year.

The grant will go to public, separate, francophone and applicable public charter schools through regular funding channels.