B.C. signs agreement with feds to expand school food programs

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."

Lisa Beare, minister of education and child care, said B.C. has had school food programs in ninety per cent of its schools since 2023. The increased funding means the programs will reach more students.

"We now can expand the amount of kids we are providing service to because no kids should learn on an empty stomach."

Beare also noted the uncertainty of the economy given the ongoing threat of tariffs from the United States, and the need to support B.C. agriculture and farming.

"I will be working with school boards to make sure we can do everything possible to make sure these programs source local food."

B.C. is the 10th province or territory to sign an agreement with the feds as part of its National School Food Program initiative.