Province signs onto federal school food program

Manitoba has become the second province to join the federal government's new national school food program.

The announcement was made during a news conference on Friday morning by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Premier Wab Kinew, alongside two other federal cabinet members.

The agreement secures $17.2 million in additional federal funding over the next three years, aimed at providing nutritious food for approximately 19,080 more children, according to a federal government news release.

Newfoundland and Labrador was the first province to participate in the program.

“Giving our children the best start in life is essential for fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children receive the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually,” Freeland stated in the release.

Kinew emphasized the importance of nutrition for learning, saying, “Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential,” as noted in the release.