Toronto, November 22, 2024 – “School boards applaud the agreement reached between the federal and provincial government, marking a historic commitment of $108.5 million in new federal funds in support of student nutrition programs in Ontario. This long-awaited national program investment responds to years of advocacy by OPSBA and partners, building on the 2019 federal budget commitment, and represents a significant step toward a healthier and more equitable future for students across the province.

This program will make a transformative difference by breaking down barriers to learning, ensuring every student has access to the nutritious food they need to focus and reach their full potential.

As an endorser of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, OPSBA has long championed the need for a universal, stigma-free, and sustainable school food program, as this directly supports our mandate to promote student achievement and well-being. With many Ontario families facing rising costs of living, this funding will have a tremendous impact on school communities and family budgets alike.

We are eager to collaborate with our federal and provincial partners, as well as community stakeholders, to ensure the swift and effective rollout of this program. Our Association will continue to advocate for additional capital funding support for the construction of food preparation, storage and serving areas.

Together, we are laying the foundation for a school food program that will nourish and empower Ontario’s students today and for generations to come.”

• Kathleen Woodcock, President, OPSBA

For more information, please contact:

Shane Gonsalves
Managing Director, Government and Public Affairs
sgonsalves@opsba.org

T.J. Goertz
Manager of Strategic Communications
tgoertz@opsba.org