Students heading back to class will now be able to get a nutritious meal or snack when they need one, with the universal school nutrition program now available in every school in the province, Premier Wab Kinew and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced on September 5.
"Kids can't learn on an empty stomach," said Kinew. "We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we'd make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we've delivered on that promise. As kids head back to class this week, they'll be able to get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential."
The Manitoba government committed $30 million in Budget 2024 to make a meal or snack available to students across the province.
"Manitoba is leading the country in school nutrition by making sure there is food available in every school," said Altomare. "This back-to-school week is the first week we'll see food in every school in the province. This is an important step in making sure every kid in Manitoba is set up to succeed in school and grow up healthy."
Approximately $21 million has been allocated to public schools within the 37 school divisions, with $6 million being specifically earmarked for 50 schools in communities with the high socio-economic need. Ahead of the full rollout of the school nutrition program this fall, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning worked with schools and school divisions to develop, and implement nutrition programming to meet the needs of students and families in their community, with the goal of ensuring any child who needs it will be able to access food at school.
"Knowing that my kids will receive a nutritious snack or meal at school everyday not only makes my life easier but assures me that this government is putting our kids first," said Paige Robertson, mother of a kindergarten student at Ste. Anne Elementary. "As any parent knows, a well-fed kid is a happy kid who is ready to learn."
"The funds that RETSD received from the Manitoba government will enhance the nutritional programs across all of our schools, allowing us to better support and meet the growing needs of our students," said Sandra Herbst, superintendent and CEO, River East Transcona School Division. "When students have consistent access to nutritious food, our schools are better equipped to fulfil our core mandate of teaching and learning."
The remainder of the funding is being provided to a number of key community partners including the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba. Grant funding has also been provided to community organizations and school divisions for after-school, summer and school break nutrition programs.
