Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, alongside Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jenna Sudds and Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal, have announced the governments of Canada and Manitoba have reached an agreement to expand school food programs in Manitoba.
According to a media release today, the agreement was made possible by the federal government’s $1-billion National School Food Program, and will enhance and expand Manitoba’s existing school food programs to provide meals to about 19,080 more kids every year, starting this school year.
Premier Wab Kinew said, “Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. 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. Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”
Manitoba is the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign an agreement with the federal government for the new National School Food Program. Today’s agreement includes an initial federal investment of approximately $17.2 million over the next three years to ensure more kids get the nutritious food they need to thrive.
