CBC News · Posted: Mar 07, 2025 5:03 PM PST
Emily Wu, a student at David Thompson Secondary school, is pictured cooking food as part of the National School Food Program in Vancouver on Friday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Province says it’s committed to sourcing local food with $39.4 million of federal funding
The province and federal government have reached a funding agreement to expand B.C.’s school meal programs, with the province saying it’s committed to sourcing local food for them.
The $39.4 million in federal funding, dispersed over a three-year period, will enhance school food programs at more than 1,000 schools across the province, according to a statement from Employment and Social Development Canada.
“It will give students the opportunity to have a full belly and really reach their full potential,” said Jenna Sudds, the federal minister of families, children and social development.
Sudds said 90,000 B.C. kids will benefit from the programs.
For families with two children in school, they will save an estimated $800 in grocery bills per year, according to the ministry’s statement.
Carolyn Broady, president of the School Trustees Association, applauded the funding.
“This is crucial funding for our rural and remote communities, where access to school food programs can often be limited,” she said in a statement. “The enhancements to breakfast and lunch programs will be particularly impactful, providing much-needed support to families in these areas.”
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