Funding boost fuels school nutrition programs

Officials with the Alberta government say a one-time $5-million grant will expand the province’s school nutrition program to provide more students with well-rounded meals and snacks this school year.

Provincial officials acknowledge that ensuring that students have access to proper nutrition is important for growing minds and learning. According to the government, it is estimated that more than 58,000 students across the province currently receive a daily nutritious meal through Alberta’s school nutrition program. Through this funding, school jurisdictions will be able to create, continue or enhance nutrition programs in identified schools, officials point out.

“Proper nutrition is essential for student success,” says Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education. “No one is operating at their best on an empty stomach. To acknowledge the rising costs of food and services, we’re thrilled to be able to provide additional funding to support student nutrition through the end of this school year.”

Alberta’s government says it has already provided $20 million to school authorities for the school nutrition program. Officials say this one-time grant increases the pre-existing funding by 25 per cent, bringing the total funding to $25 million to run nutrition programs for the 2023-24 school year. The government says the grant will automatically flow to public, separate, francophone and applicable public charter schools through regular funding channels.