The National School Food Program Will Be Made Permanent!

Canada is making school food permanent — but the real question is: what kind of food will children be eating?

The federal government has announced that its National School Food Program will become a permanent fixture, with $216.6 million in annual funding beginning in 2029. The move marks a major step toward universal food access — yet it leaves open crucial questions about food quality, sourcing and safety.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on October 10 that his government will introduce legislation to make the program permanent, ensuring long-term funding so that every child and youth in Canada can access food at school. The announcement follows years of advocacy from the Coalition for Healthy School Food, of which Safe Food Matters is a proud member.
“This is a victory for children, families, educators and communities across the country,” said Debbie Field, National Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food. “By making this program permanent, Canada joins global leaders who understand …Read More