The federal government has agreed to make the National School Food Program permanent with $216.6 million per year starting in 2029-30. 

The province is currently making the program possible through a $16 million three-year agreement with Ottawa that began at the beginning of this year. The permanency announcement was made Friday in conjunction with the roll out of the second portion of funding, worth $6.4 million. Secretary of State Buckley Belanger delivered the news at Caroline Robins School in Saskatoon.

The second tranche of funding will expand food programs at 30 schools in the Saskatoon Public School Division, allow for centralized food production, as some schools lack the production infrastructure, as well as create a nutrition department within the division. 

Manager of the new department, Jordan Sokmenoglu, says these 30 schools were selected based on community need. Every student within these schools will receive a nutritious breakfast, snack, and lunch. 

“Saskatchewan has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the country, especially among children, so I think it’s safe to say whether you’re in a city or rural, regardless of your neighborhood or your status, food insecurity is affecting a number of our students.”

Kim Stranden, Board Chair for Saskatoon Public School Division, says this additional funding will be a gamechanger for parents and guardians, especially those struggling with the cost of living.

“This relieves that pressure, so that way they know that when they send their kids to Saskatoon Public Schools, they’re well taken care of, their bellies will be full, and they will learn.”

She adds that giving every child the same meal ‘levels the playing field’. “It takes away that stigmatism…everyone is equal. It’s a very, very big deal.”