Nova Scotia’s School Lunch Program Expands to 104,000 Students

Thousands of additional students across Nova Scotia will benefit from the expansion of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program this fall, allowing over 104,000 children in 334 schools to access healthy meals. The initiative, which is returning to elementary and middle schools, will now extend to junior high schools, enhancing food ordering processes and introducing new menu options.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Brendan Maguire announced the expansion during an interview on The Todd Veinotte Show. He emphasized the importance of addressing hunger among students, stating, “We know that kids learn better when they’re not hungry.” This year, the province has invested approximately $80 million into the program, aiming to improve not just the nutritional status of students but also their overall educational experience.

The menu for the 2025 school year features “kid-friendly” options, including chicken nuggets with wedges and macaroni and cheese. These selections were developed following consultations with children through focus groups held over the summer. The previous iteration of the program faced some criticism regarding dietary restrictions, prompting a revamp to better cater to diverse needs.

Maguire noted, “We want to make sure that when kids get lunches that it’s as warm as possible and as fresh as possible.” He highlighted that the effectiveness of the program relies heavily on students’ willingness to eat the provided meals. “Ultimately, you can have a lunch program, but if the kids aren’t eating it, then what is a lunch program?”

Families wishing to participate in the program will need to select their school and confirm their child’s name. Lunch services begin on September 8 or September 15, 2023, depending on the school, with ordering now available. While the program is not completely free, it offers flexible payment options. Families can either pay the full cost of $6.50 for each lunch, contribute a portion, or opt for no payment at all, ensuring accessibility for those facing food insecurity.

Nova Scotia has the second-highest rate of children under 18 living in food-insecure households in Canada, according to data from the federal government and Feed Nova Scotia. The expansion of this lunch program is a significant step towards addressing the nutritional needs of children in the province, helping to ensure that they are well-fed and ready to learn.