Students heading back to class will now have access to nutritious meals and snacks, thanks to the new universal school nutrition program available in every school across the province. Premier Wab Kinew and Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced the initiative today.

“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Premier Kinew. “We made a commitment to Manitoba families to ensure kids across our province have 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 Manitoba government has allocated $30 million in Budget 2024 to provide meals and snacks to students throughout the province. Approximately $21 million has been designated for public schools within the 37 school divisions, with $6 million specifically earmarked for 50 schools in high socio-economic need communities.

“Manitoba is leading the country in school nutrition by ensuring there is food available in every school,” said Minister 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.”

Ahead of the full rollout this fall, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning collaborated with schools and school divisions to develop and implement nutrition programming tailored to the needs of students and families in their communities. The goal is to ensure that any child who needs it will have access to food at school.

In addition to public schools, the remaining funding is being provided to key community partners, including the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba. Grant funding has also been allocated to community organizations and school divisions for after-school, summer, and school break nutrition programs.

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