March 10, 2025 Regina, Saskatchewan Employment and Social Development Canada
School food programs make life easier. They provide healthy meals to kids throughout the school year. They save families hundreds of dollars in grocery bills.
Today, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan's Minister of Education, announced an agreement that will enable Saskatchewan to enhance and expand school food programs in the province over the next three years. With this agreement, families in Saskatchewan with two children in school can save an estimated $800 in grocery bills a year on average.
The National School Food Program is a direct investment into the middle class-making life a little easier for working families. It is also a safety net for the kids who need this support the most. As part of this agreement, the Government of Canada will invest approximately $15.8 million over the next three years. This investment will mean that school food programs will be available in more schools, to more students.
Existing programs will be better supported through investments in training, tools for program providers, and additional support staff. These improvements are particularly significant for rural and remote communities in Saskatchewan. School divisions and community-based organizations will target their programming determined by need and capacity, so children most affected by food insecurity will have access to more consistent and nutritious meals at school.
Building a National School Food Program is part of the federal government's commitment to help life be more affordable for families across the country. We're creating more middle-class jobs, building more homes, expanding affordable dental care and creating more affordable child care spaces-so they can buy the things they need and save for the things they want.
