As students across Saint-Léonard–Saint-Michel head back to school this week and over the coming days, families are preparing for a new year filled with learning, friendships, and new opportunities. But for some children, starting the school day without enough food can make it harder to concentrate and reach their full potential.
No child should ever have to go to school hungry. Every child deserves access to a nutritious meal or snack so they can start their day ready to learn. That is why our government is expanding access to school food programs through the National School Food Program, which is providing meals to up to 400,000 more children every year. Federal funding has doubled from the 2024–25 fiscal year to $140 million for 2025–26 and 2026–27.
With support from the National School Food Program and provincial and territorial investments, more than 10,000 schools, approximately 80% of provincially and territorially operated schools across Canada, are offering school food programs this school year.
These programs take many different forms to meet the needs of local communities, including free breakfasts, nutritious lunches, grab-and-go snacks, reduced-cost or pay-what-you-can meals. This flexibility helps ensure that programs can respond to the realities of students and families in different communities.
School food programs also provide important support to families at a time when managing grocery bills can be challenging. On average, participating families with two children in school can save an estimated $800 per year on groceries.
The National School Food Program is about more than providing meals. It is about helping children stay healthy, supporting their learning, reducing pressure on families, and building stronger connections with local food systems and communities.
As we welcome students back to the classroom, we are investing in their health, their success, and their future. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive because no one should have to learn on an empty stomach.