Canada, Saskatchewan expand school food program to support students

Saskatchewan school divisions will receive federal funding to expand existing food programs or create new ones under the National School Food Program, officials announced Friday.

Legislative Secretary for Education Barret Kropf and Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, on behalf of Secretary of State (Children and Youth) Anna Gainey, said the initiative is part of a three-year, $15.8-million agreement signed earlier this year between the provincial and federal governments.

Under the agreement, Saskatchewan will distribute $6.4 million in federal funding to school divisions for the 2025-26 school year. The funding aims to support programs that meet the needs of students in urban, rural and northern communities.

“Enhanced school food programs can provide immediate relief to families’ household budgets and significantly increase access and reach for students,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This investment will help us achieve our goal of providing a better quality of life for Saskatchewan students, families and communities.”

The new program builds on the Saskatchewan Child Nutrition Program, which has provided healthy meals and skills programs to students for 35 years.

Throughout the agreement, the ministry will continue consulting with school divisions, First Nations partners and francophone community representatives to gather feedback, assess progress and identify improvements.

Belanger said the federal government is working to make the program permanent. “This ensures kids across Saskatchewan get a good meal at school while putting more money back in parents’ pockets,” he said. “It’s a simple, practical way to support families and set our kids up to do their best in the classroom and in life.”

Funding is allocated based on the province’s Prekindergarten to Grade 12 model, which takes into account school location, enrolment and student needs.

Kim Stranden, board chair of Saskatoon Public Schools, said nutritious meals boost attendance, engagement and academic success. “The funding will strengthen and expand existing programs, foster local food systems and promote food literacy education,” Stranden said.

The program is part of a broader federal plan to provide $1 billion over five years to enhance school food programs nationwide, benefiting up to 400,000 children annually. Starting in 2029-30, the program is set to receive permanent funding of $216.6 million per year.

The initiative complements other federal measures, including the Canada Child Benefit, aimed at making life more affordable for Canadian families.