The return on investing in universal school meals is clear. According to our new report, universal free school meals (breakfast and lunch for students regardless of income) have 2.5 to seven times the return in human health and economic benefits in comparable high-income countries.
The quality of student diets in Canada across all socio-economic backgrounds is poor, with only a small fraction meeting Canada's Food Guide recommendations.
Studies have shown that school-provided meals offer higher nutritional quality compared to home-packed lunches in many countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
A national school food program would join Canada's universal child care program and the Canada child benefit as a crucial social support, bringing immediate relief to families while also delivering several short to long-term economic and social benefits.
