Manitoba Joins Federal School Food Program with $17 Million Deal

The agreement marks Manitoba as the second province to enhance school nutrition with federal support, following Newfoundland and Labrador.

Manitoba's NDP government, led by Premier Wab Kinew, has signed a deal to receive $17.2 million over three years from the federal National School Food Program.
This funding will supplement the province's existing $30 million budget for its school nutrition program, aiming to expand meal access across 37 school divisions.
The initiative is expected to provide meals or snacks to more than 19,000 students, focusing on schools in areas with high socio-economic needs.
The federal program, with a $1 billion budget over five years, was influenced by pressure from federal New Democrats to address child hunger nationwide.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted the program's potential to save families up to $800 annually and emphasized its importance in removing barriers to learning for children.