The Manitoba government is celebrating a major milestone in school food programming, with new data showing an average of 93,431 students accessing food through the Manitoba Universal School Nutrition Program daily, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced on December 3.
"Access to healthy food is essential for learning, well-being and academic success," said Schmidt. "Since our government brought in the universal school food program, we've been able to provide more than 30 million meals and snacks to kids who need them. This achievement makes our province a leader in Canada, and we are committed to building on this success in the years ahead."
Today, the minister tabled the 2024-25 annual report on nutrition programs , highlighting the success of Manitoba's Universal School Nutrition Program, which received a $30-million investment.
A total of 632 public schools across the province offered at least one meal program this year, 24 per cent more than the previous year. Of these, 481 schools provided multiple meals or snacks, ensuring students access to nutritious food throughout the school day.
Daily student participation rose significantly, with 93,431 pupils accessing at least one meal or snack program, a 51 per cent increase from 61,773 the previous year. In total, schools provided 162,446 meals and snacks to students provincewide.
"I am very appreciative for the nutrition program and funding provided to Brandon School Division. The program has a positive impact on students' health, well-being, attendance and achievement," said Mathew Gustafson, chief superintendent, Brandon School Division. "The division receives regular positive feedback from students, parents and staff for the nutrition program. A teacher noted that one student's progress has benefited from eating on a regular basis."
"Our government's commitment is clear - no child should go through the school day hungry. We will continue to strengthen these programs to ensure students can learn, grow and reach their full potential," said Schmidt. "This work builds on the legacy of the late Nello Altomare, whose lifelong dedication to ensuring children had access to healthy food continues to inspire us. His vision for equitable, universal nutrition programs lives on in the progress we are making today."
Snack programs were the most common, available in 580 schools, followed by breakfast programs in 433 schools. The number of schools running lunch programs increased by 50 per cent over the previous year and the number of schools offering milk programs increased by 85 per cent.
