All students in New Brunswick will now receive a free breakfast at school, supported by $13 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The province is expanding its school food program to include every public school, starting for the 2025 school year.
Premier Susan Holt said the initiative is designed to help students succeed in the classroom while easing financial pressure on families.
“We know that when students have a full belly, they can better focus on learning,” Holt said in a government release.
“By giving students universal access to a school breakfast program, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to succeed.”
The program is being delivered in partnership with Feed NB, formerly known as Food Depot Alimentaire.
It will now reach all 296 schools across New Brunswick’s seven districts. Last year, 136 schools had access to breakfast through the program.
The $13 million includes more than $11 million from the federal government through the National School Food Program, announced in February, and an additional $2 million annually from the province.
According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in four children in New Brunswick arrives at school hungry.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said the expanded program will help improve student engagement and academic outcomes.
“We are grateful to our partners at Feed NB, who are helping us deliver on our commitment to ensure all children in New Brunswick have access to a breakfast program at school,” Johnson said.
Feed NB executive director Stéphane Sirois said the organization is proud to help make breakfast available to every student.
“This is a big step towards our vision of a hunger-free New Brunswick,” Sirois said.
Breakfasts will include apples, milk, eggs, cheese, bread, cereal and bagels. Ingredients will be sourced locally when possible or from across Canada.
Federal Secretary of State for Children and Youth Anna Gainey, speaking on behalf of Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, said the funding will help children who may not have enough to eat at home.
“Canada’s government is committed to supporting families by helping kids access nourishing food at school, which delivers better outcomes for everyone,” Gainey said.
