When kids eat well, they do better in school. And when kids do well in school, they succeed.
On September 4, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Andrew Furey, announced an agreement to expand school food programs in the province. This agreement, under the National School Food Program, will result in 4,100 more kids in Newfoundland and Labrador getting healthy meals this school year.
Participating families with two kids will save an estimated $800 a year, on average. It will mean lower grocery bills for families and school meals for kids - helping them learn, grow, and get the best start in life.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province to reach an agreement with the federal government through the new National School Food Program. This initial investment of approximately $9.1 million over three years will help more kids get access to school food. We invite all provinces and territories to reach these agreements - it's one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and care for our kids.
This agreement complements the actions that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has taken to increase income to families with young children and to help ensure all children develop to their full potential. As part of the provincial Poverty Reduction Plan and supported by an allocation of $3 million through Budget 2024, the Department of Education will introduce expanded school lunch programming to all Pre-Kindergarten and K-9 schools beginning this fall. The Provincial Government has also expanded the Prenatal-Infant Nutrition Supplement up to age and five and increase the Child Benefit by 300 per cent, positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in Canada in the two programs.
With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program, announced in Budget 2024, will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. The Program will also be a safety net for the kids who are most impacted by the lack of access to food, including lower-income families and some Indigenous communities. Through the agreement, the federal government is helping students across Newfoundland and Labrador to reach their full potential, on a full stomach.
This announcement is good for parents, kids, teachers, and the economy. Alongside this, we're bringing down the cost of living, building more homes, investing in affordable dental care, and helping every generation get a fair shot.
Quotes
"The National School Food Program is a game changer. Today's agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador will get healthy school meals to kids and help parents save hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. It's one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and make sure no child goes hungry."
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
"In Newfoundland and Labrador, we recognize the importance of helping our young people - the future of our province - reach their full potential. Supporting students with healthy food through this agreement with the federal government will have a massive impact on families across our province, and we are proud to be a leader in the country in this program."
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
"This historic agreement is about more than just food - it's about giving children in Newfoundland and Labrador a fair shot. It's a promise to our children that, no matter where they come from, they will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed in school and in life. Because we know full bellies lead to happy, thriving kids."
Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
"Our National School Food Program will help connect schools with local food organizations, while creating opportunities for our farmers, food processors, and harvesters. Most importantly, it will let kids focus on being kids and take some of the pressure off parents. Quite simply, kids can't learn when they're hungry. This agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is a great first step, and I know it will make a real difference for children and families across the province."
Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Curious young minds cannot learn on an empty stomach. A national school food program will give kids in Newfoundland and Labrador the best possible start and help their parents with the cost of living. That is fairness for everyone."
Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
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For more information
Prince Phillip Drive
St. John's Newfoundland
Canada A1B 4J6
www.gov.nl.ca
