In August 2024, the Coalition for Healthy School Food submitted its Written Submission for the Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget. We used this opportunity to recommend that the Government of Canada:
Fast-track negotiations and signing agreements with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous leaders based on the National School Food Policy so that Budget 2024’s allocation of $79 million as the first-year investment of the National School Food Program can support students in the 2024-25 fiscal and school year.
Follow up on the government’s commitment in Budget 2024 to spend $201 million in 2025-26, $218 million in 2026-27, $241 million in 2027-28 and $261 million in 2028-29.
Continue to hold discussions with Indigenous leaders to negotiate agreements for the creation and/or enhancement of independent distinctions-based First Nation, Métis, and Inuit school meal programs, with long-term and sustainable funding.
The Coalition for Healthy School Food welcomed with great enthusiasm the announcement by the Government of Canada of $1 billion over 5 years for a National School Food Program in the April 2024 Budget. This investment will make a significant positive difference in the lives of children and families throughout the country for generations.
The Coalition also welcomed the National School Food Policy, released on June 20, 2024. Canada’s National School Food Policy provides an excellent framework for agreements between the provinces, territories, and Indigenous leaders and the long-term expansion of the National School Food Program.
The Coalition is pleased to see the emphasis on all children and youth and the focus on non-stigmatizing, health-promoting practices and support for local food systems, the environment, and culture in line with our guiding principles and statements.
Read our pre-budget submission.
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