Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Thousands more students across Alberta are set to benefit from expanded access to healthy school meals as the provincial and federal governments move ahead with the next phase of the Canada-Alberta National School Food Program.
The two governments have confirmed action plans for the second and third years of the agreement, backed by nearly $43 million in joint funding aimed at strengthening school nutrition programs across the province. The initiative seeks to ensure that more children begin their school day with nutritious meals, improving both learning outcomes and overall well-being.
Under the renewed funding framework, more than $17.4 million will be distributed during the 2025-26 academic year, followed by over $17.6 million in 2026-27. The investment is intended to help schools expand existing meal programs and reach students in communities where food support is needed most.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring students are able to concentrate on their education rather than hunger. He noted that access to healthy meals plays an important role in helping children remain engaged in the classroom.
The federal contribution complements Alberta’s existing $20-million annual School Nutrition Program, which currently provides nutritious meals each school day to around 58,000 students enrolled in participating schools across the province.
Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey said the partnership is designed to make nutritious food more accessible while also easing financial pressures on families. She added that expanding school meal programs supports children’s academic success and healthy development.
Funding will be available to school boards and eligible public charter schools to cover food purchases, staffing requirements and administrative costs associated with delivering nutrition programs.
Education leaders have also welcomed the announcement. Chris Andrew, chair of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, said providing nutritious meals not only helps students perform better academically but also creates opportunities to teach lifelong healthy eating habits.
Alongside funding for schools, Alberta’s government is investing $500,000 through the Innovation and Best Practices in School Nutrition grant. The funding will support organizations including Apple Schools, Farm to Cafeteria Canada, and the Breakfast Club of Canada, enabling them to identify successful nutrition initiatives and share proven strategies with school boards during the 2026-27 school year.
Officials say the expanded investment is intended to build a stronger, more accessible nutrition network across Alberta, ensuring that more students have the healthy meals they need to arrive at school ready to learn and succeed.
