Saskatchewan stands to triple its current funding for school lunches, which is currently the lowest in Canada, by signing on to federal program.

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In the April 2024 federal budget, the government allocated $1 billion over five years to fund a national school food program.

If the government of Saskatchewan does not act in the next week, before a potential federal election call, and sign an agreement for a portion of this funding, the children of this province will lose out on about $17 million of federal funding for school food programs over the next three years.

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Currently, seven provinces and territories and many First Nations governments have signed agreements for federal funding, with the rest expected shortly. An investment of that size would triple the current funding in Saskatchewan, which is the lowest in Canada.

This school food funding would create new jobs and new dollars spent on vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat, pulses and grains, all products of importance to Saskatchewan farming communities.

Globally, school food programs improve education outcomes, student mental and nutritional health, with at least three dollars return for every dollar invested. They also make a difference to families who are