News of a national school food program is proof that advocacy works!
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent announcement of a $1 billion investment in a national school food program over five years is a positive step forward in our efforts to address food insecurity for school-aged children.
BCSTA and our partners across Canada have tirelessly championed a national school food program to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals at school. Although we are waiting for more details, including how many families the new program will support, the announcement represents a fundamental first step towards achieving that goal.
Research consistently shows a link between proper nutrition and academic achievement. By ensuring students can access healthy, nourishing meals, we are helping to lay the foundation for their long-term success.
We believe a national school food program can eliminate barriers to access, ensuring children can thrive academically regardless of what struggles they may be facing at home. This program will complement B.C.’s Feeding Futures program and help us build a more equitable education system.
A well-planned national school food program will also support local food producers and promote the overall health and well-being of students by offering smart nutritional choices.
Implementing this program will present challenges, including the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to ensure students and families in need have a stigma-free access to the program. It is imperative that all levels of government, along with educators, parents and community stakeholders, work together to ensure the program’s success.
Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come.
Warmly,
Carolyn Broady
President, British Columbia School Trustees Association