Manitoba has become the second province to sign on to the federal government’s new national school food program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement at a news conference alongside two other federal cabinet members Friday morning.
The deal is for $17.2 million in more federal funding over the next three years to ensure about 19,080 more kids “get the nutritious food they need to thrive,” a federal government news release said.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
Premier Wab Kinew and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland at an announcement in Winnipeg in November.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the second province to join the program.
“Giving our children the best start in life is an essential part of fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children get the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually,” Freeland said in the release.
Kinew said students can’t learn on an empty stomach
“Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential,” he said in the release.
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