NDP would create school food program so every student has access to nutritious food

HALIFAX – Today, NDP Leader Gary Burrill talked with Seana Jewer about how every child deserves a healthy meal so they can reach their full potential inside and outside the classroom.

“Every parent knows the stress of trying to get ready for work, get kids ready for school and pack a healthy lunch for them,” said Burrill. “It’s an exhausting way to start the day no matter what the circumstances, but we can’t forget that there are many families who simply can’t afford to pack nutritious foods in their child’s lunch. No child should sit with friends at lunch and feel embarrassed about what they have in their lunchbox.”

Healthy eating is fundamental for successful learning and developing lifelong healthy eating habits for children. Nova Scotia continues to have some of the highest rates of child poverty in the country, and many children arrive at school hungry without access to healthy foods during the day.

"There are many reasons why children go to school hungry such as food insecurity, medications that suppress appetites to parents needing to be at work before children leave for school. Regardless of the reason, children who are hungry at school have more challenging behaviors as well as diminished ability to focus and learn. A universal food program reduces the stigma and shame of being hungry and helps schools become safer, more supportive learning environments," said Seana Jewer, whose two children attend Astral Drive Elementary

The success of current school breakfast programs is made possible by the many volunteers who fundraise and are committed to making sure hungry kids get healthy meals. However, there is still a stigma attached to using these programs and not every school has one.

“Schools, especially in our rural communities, are much more than places of learning. They are the hearts of their communities,” said Burrill. “Every child deserves a healthy meal so they can focus on learning and being with their friends.”

An NDP government will implement a universal school meal program serving at least one meal during the school day with an emphasis on foods that are locally produced, nutritious, and culturally appropriate.

“A universal school food program supports parents’ efforts to provide for their children, supports local producers and improves the health of kids,” said Burrill. “Iain Rankin and the Liberals are going to cut $209 million from the programs that people depend on, like education. An NDP government will put the needs of real people front and centre and will make sure no student goes without a healthy meal.”

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