School nutrition program available across Manitoba
Posted September 5, 2024 3:36 pm.
Last Updated September 6, 2024 8:34 am.
In an effort to make sure all kids get access to food, the Manitoba Government has released details on its plans for a universal school nutrition program, rolling out this fall, across the province.
“We want to make sure that every kid can eat food and no child is hungry,” said Premier Wab Kinew.
“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 NDP government committed $30 million in the 2024 budget. Approximately $21 million will be given to public schools within the 37 school divisions, with around $6 million of that going to 50 schools in communities with high socio-economic needs. Another $9 million is being given to the Child Nutrition Council and Harvest Manitoba.
“One of the very first things we did when we were elected, we got rid of the waitlist. We also, moved them back up to 20 per cent at coverage of food costs for schools. The previous government had cut that down, had allowed a waitlist to occur and had cut the program down to 17 per cent of food costs,” said Education Minister Nello Altomare.
“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.”
Donwood School, where the announcement took place Thursday, is part of the River East Transcona School Division, which represents 42 schools. Superintendent and CEO of the division, Sandra Herbst says the money they received, which is north of $1 million, is making a big difference.
“In all of our schools, we have had some kind of food program in the past, and we are looking forward to augmenting that and amplifying that and for some schools, that have been specifically identified, all of the students in those schools will have access to breakfast and lunch every day,” said Herbst.
