The federal government is doubling its funding for the National School Food Program to $140 million, a move set to provide meals for up to 400,000 more children across Canada each year. The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, announced on Tuesday that all provinces and territories have now finalized their action plans for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, detailing how the enhanced funding will be used.
These plans are designed to expand and improve existing school food programs in alignment with the National School Food Policy. The increase in funding marks a significant expansion from the 2024-25 fiscal year. With these combined federal and provincial investments, more than 10,000 schools, representing about 80 per cent of provincially and territorially operated schools in Canada, are now providing food programs for students.
The initiative aims to ensure children have access to nutritious meals, which is believed to improve their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.
Program benefits and family savings
Beyond the classroom, the program is expected to provide significant financial relief for families. The government estimates that a family with two children participating in the program could save approximately $800 on their annual grocery bills. This financial support is part of a broader federal strategy to lower costs for Canadians, which also includes initiatives like affordable child care and dental care.
Canada’s new government is strengthening its investment in children’s access to nutritious food at school, helping them thrive in classrooms and helping families save on their groceries. Because every child should focus on learning, not on where their next meal will come from.
School food programs across the country are being tailored to meet the specific needs of their communities. These initiatives vary widely, from pay-what-you-can or reduced-cost lunch programs with diverse menus to stigma-free, grab-and-go snack bins that allow students easy access to food throughout the day. This flexibility is a cornerstone of the national policy, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach would not work across Canada’s diverse regions.
Other innovative approaches include the development of school gardens, where students can participate in growing food that is then used in their meals. Some schools offer free breakfasts before classes begin to ensure no child starts the day on an empty stomach. In many communities, particularly with Indigenous partners, the program incorporates country foods and traditional teachings into community meals, strengthening cultural connections alongside nutritional support.
Legislative framework and long-term vision
The groundwork for this expansion was laid with the National School Food Policy, released in June 2024. The policy emphasizes creating a system without stigma or barriers, promoting healthy eating, and building stronger connections between students, the environment, and local food systems. It serves as the guiding document for how provinces and territories develop their specific programs.
The federal government has also taken steps to make the program a permanent fixture. The National School Food Program Act, which received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026, solidifies the government's commitment. Budget 2025 outlined a plan to provide $216.6 million in annual funding starting in the 2029-30 fiscal year, securing the program's future.
This legislative backing is part of a wider effort by the federal government to announce support for southern Ontario and other regions through various community-focused initiatives. The focus on long-term, stable funding is intended to allow school boards and community organizations to plan multi-year programs with confidence.
Broader food security strategy
The school food initiative is a key component of Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy, which Prime Minister Carney launched on June 11, 2026. This comprehensive strategy, backed by over $3 billion in investments over a decade, aims to create a more affordable and resilient food system for all Canadians. Its goals include strengthening the market for independent retailers, boosting domestic food production, and ultimately lowering food costs.
A significant portion of the funding is dedicated to Indigenous communities. Budget 2024 allocated $1 billion over five years for First Nations on reserve, as well as for Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement holders. The government is working directly with these partners to implement the funding in a culturally appropriate, distinctions-based manner.
To support the logistical side of these programs, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launched a $20.2-million School Food Infrastructure Fund in September 2024. This fund helps community organizations purchase and install necessary equipment for producing, processing, storing, and distributing food for local school food programs, ensuring they have the physical capacity to deliver these vital services.
As these programs take shape, the government has committed to ongoing collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to build on existing efforts. The permanent funding stream, set to begin in 2029-30, will provide a stable foundation for the National School Food Program for years to come.
