World Animal Protection Canada did an assessment of the national school food program and how it aligns with the Canadian food guide, and it found that there’s a significant gap between the two.

Farming Campaign Manager Lynn Kavanaugh says there is a lack of funding going into the program, which translates to a lack of nutrition, such as fibre, whole grains, and plant-based proteins.

She adds that this conundrum presents Ottawa with an opportunity to hit two birds with one stone.

“In Canada, we’re a huge grower of beans and pulses, with Saskatchewan being it’s fair to say the pulse capital of Canada. Because we grow such a large amount of these foods, it’s a huge opportunity to support farmers and keep these foods at home, process them at home, and serve them to kids in school food programs.”

She adds that children eat about one third of their calories at school, so it’s imperative that what they’re getting is nutritious. On top of being full of vitamins, fibre, and protein, she says pulses are also economical, environmentally friendly, and easy to prepare.

She adds that the food program is currently running at about $1 per child per day, but about $5 per day is required to properly fund the program.

“The Healthy Food School Coalition is recommending that another $200 million is needed to make sure kids gets the healthy foods that they need.”

Also, 70 per cent of schools serve pre-packaged foods, which are often more expensive, especially compared to beans and pulses.

Bilateral agreements between Ottawa and the provinces to extend the program will be put in place March 2027. Discussions between the WAPC and other advocate organization will take place over the coming months.