School District No. 57 (SD57) will be getting just under $1.7 million through the province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
"As busy parents deal with global inflation, school food programs can help reduce the pressure on their wallets while tackling student hunger," said Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care.
"Working with local schools to make sure our kids are fed and ready to learn will make a real difference for families and communities."
Through Budget 2023, the province is investing $214 million over three years so school districts can create or expand local food programs in schools throughout B.C.
SD57 will be getting $1,682,425 for 2023/24 school year.
The funds will be used for purchasing food and hiring dedicated staff to co-ordinate providing meals and snacks to students. This is the largest investment in school food programs in the province's history.
The province says the Feeding Futures program will address the immediate need of feeding students and builds on the progress made with the Student and Family Affordability Fund to help reduce the challenges of rising food costs for families who need it most.
“The importance of healthy meals provided within our public education system to support learning and development should not be understated,” said Viveca Ellis, executive director, Single Mothers' Alliance.
The province adds that non-profit organizations, donors and parent advisory councils will continue to play a vital role alongside schools to address student hunger, as it reflects the larger issue of community-based food insecurity.
