Articles on national school food program

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A school food menu from Dijon, France. If Canadians want school food programs that achieve the benefits of the best programs in the world, we need to learn from global examples. (R. Engler-Stringer)

School lunches, the French way: It’s not just about nutrition, but togetherness and bon appetit

France, England and Scotland all bring important insights for Canada’s national school food program, around menus, centralized kitchens, local resources and building community.
There are huge disparities in provinces’ school food funding: Per student, per school day, Nova Scotia contributes $3.30, whereas Ontario pays only nine cents. A market in Saint John, N.B., on May 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

The food affordability crisis is one reason governments need to step up for school food

Parents and teachers in a southern Ontario survey conducted in the city of Hamilton and Peel Region spoke about their desires for an equitable and inclusive school food program.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau next to the chef and other people at the Boys and Girls Club East Scarborough, in Toronto, before an announcement to launch a National School Food Program, April 1, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

What needs to happen next for Canada to have a successful school food program

Researchers and co-chairs of the Canadian Association for Food Studies’ School Food Working Group explain what Ottawa should prioritize to ensure its national school food program succeeds.
An investment in a national school food program today is an investment in a stronger Canada tomorrow. (Shutterstock)

Beyond the cafeteria: The economic case for investing in school meals

From reducing families’ grocery bills to boosting the economy, school meals offer far-reaching benefits, fostering both immediate well-being and long-term economic prosperity.
Artwork created by public school students about the availability of healthy foods in schools. (Sara Kirk)

School‑approved Cheetos? Why we must protect school food from corporate interests

An effective national school food program can help build the foundations for a healthy population. That’s why Ottawa must limit the influence of the food industry on a national school food program.
Canada is ranked 37th of the 41 most wealthy nations in regards to child well-being and access to healthy food, according to UNICEF. (Shutterstock)

Federal budget pledges a Canadian school food program but recipe requires funding

A well-planned national school food progam in Canada could be a huge boost to children’s health outcomes, long-term healthcare spending and local agriculture and economies.

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