Nova Scotia Expands School Lunch Program to Over 100,000 Students

Nova Scotia has introduced an expanded school lunch program that now serves more than 100,000 students across the province. The revamped menu and streamlined ordering system are available in all elementary, middle, and junior high schools this academic year. This rollout follows a successful launch last fall, which initially included 250 elementary schools.

Currently, the program operates in 334 schools, providing meals that align with Nova Scotia’s school food and nutrition policy. Aimee Gasparetto, executive director of Nourish Nova Scotia, shared insights about the program on CBC Radio’s Information Morning. She confirmed that high schools in the province will be included in a future phase of the initiative.

Feedback from the initial launch significantly shaped the menu changes for this year. According to Gasparetto, the program has introduced approximately 10 new full menu items, with an additional ten expected later in the year. Menu offerings include popular items such as chicken nuggets, roasted potato wedges, chili, and veggie burgers, all developed based on input from students and the school community.

The meals are prepared from scratch, avoiding pre-packaged and processed foods, ensuring they meet nutritional standards. The program, which is supported by a government investment of $80 million this year, operates on a pay-what-you-can model, maintaining confidentiality around payment information.

While the initiative aims to provide equitable access to nutritious food, Gasparetto emphasized that it does not address the root cause of household food insecurity, which is primarily an income issue. She stated, “The intention of this program is to ease economic and time constraints on families.”

Looking ahead, Gasparetto envisions the program fostering positive food cultures within schools. This includes further menu development, potential food literacy education, and strengthened community partnerships. “There’s so much room to grow in those areas,” she noted.

The expansion of the school lunch program represents a significant step in supporting families and students in Nova Scotia, providing essential nutrition and contributing to a healthier school environment.