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Manitoba introduced a universal school nutrition program, providing meals and snacks to all students in the province it announced on Thursday.
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Premier Wab Kinew and Education Minister Nello Altomare said it will be available in every school in the province starting this week.
“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Kinew in a press release. “We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. As kids head back to class this week, they’ll be able to get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”
The initiative is funded by $30 million from the 2024 budget. Approximately $21 million is allocated to public schools within the 37 divisions, with $6 million designated for 50 schools in high-need areas.
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“Manitoba is leading the country in school nutrition by making sure there is food available in every school,” said Altomare. “This back-to-school week is the first week we’ll see food in every school in the province. This is an important step in making sure every kid in Manitoba is set up to succeed in school and grow up healthy.”
The province said that ahead of the full rollout of the school nutrition program this fall, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning worked with schools and school divisions to develop and implement nutrition programming, with the goal of ensuring any child who needs it will be able to access food at school.
“Knowing that my kids will receive a nutritious snack or meal at school every day not only makes my life easier but assures me that this government is putting our kids first,” said Paige Robertson, mother of a kindergarten student at Ste. Anne Elementary. “As any parent knows, a well-fed kid is a happy kid who is ready to learn.”
Additional funds are provided to community partners and organizations for extended nutrition programs.
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