Students heading back to school this week will notice a number of changes from last year, and not just related to the ban on cell phones. The provincial government announced today they will make the universal school nutrition program available to every student in the province.
“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. As kids head back to class this week, they’ll be able to get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”
According to a press release, the province has set aside $21 million within 37 school divisions for the project. They’ve set aside $6 million for 50 schools in communities with greater socio-economic needs. The remainder of the funding (the province set aside $30 million in the budget) is being provided to “a number of key community partners including the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba.”
“Manitoba is leading the country in school nutrition by making sure there is food available in every school,” said Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced today. Altomare. “This back-to-school week is the first week we’ll see food in every school in the province. This is an important step in making sure every kid in Manitoba is set up to succeed in school and grow up healthy.”
The province added in their release that grant funding has also been provided to community organizations and school divisions for after-school, summer and school break nutrition programs.
