Young Saskatchewan students will benefit from a new agreement between the Government of Saskatchewan and the federal governments. Today, (Monday) the parties signed a $15.8 million three-year agreement under the National School Food Program. This will ensure school divisions can address child hunger, offer nutrition education and provide opportunities such as cooking classes. Saskatchewan was one of the last provinces to sign on. Alberta has yet to sign an agreement.

Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds explains that “When kids are hungry, they can’t focus… and filling their bellies with nutritious food will set them up for success. It also helps parents save hundreds on groceries.” It’s expected that the program will be able to provide meals to up to 400,000 children across Canada each year for the next five years.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation applauds the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision to sign on to the National School Food Program.

STF President Samantha Becotte says, “This investment by the federal and provincial governments will have a significant impact on the individual lives of many students, as well as positively impact the broader school communities. “