Province helping more students access healthy meals so they can succeed at school
The Ontario government is protecting students by increasing its investment in the Student Nutrition Program (SNP) and the First Nations Student Nutrition Program (FNSNP) by $5 million, for a total investment of $37.5 million this year. The two programs will serve more than 800,000 students, projected to deliver over 140 million healthy meals and snacks under the Student Nutrition Program and more than 1.4 million meals and snacks to students in Indigenous communities this school year.
“To protect Ontario, we need to support the health and well-being of Ontario’s students, so they can stay focused on the things that matter most,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Today’s investment will strengthen Ontario’s student nutrition programs to ensure more children and young people have access to healthy and nutritious food. This is only possible thanks to the many community partners and volunteers who are generously contributing to such an important cause.”
To further support these programs, Ontario is also relaunching the Healthy Students Brighter Ontario community fundraising campaign in recognition of the key role grassroots partnerships have in building stronger communities. As the campaign kicks off, partner organizations will work with local businesses and community leaders towards an additional fundraising goal of $5 million.
“Students deserve every chance to succeed, and that starts with proper nutrition,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “By increasing our investment in Ontario’s student nutrition programs, our government is taking action to ensure more students have access to healthy meals that help them learn, grow and give them the support they need to succeed now and in the future.”
The SNP and FNSNP are delivered in partnership with local agencies, school boards and community partner organizations. Countless volunteers support the programs by preparing and serving food in school settings. Both programs provide breakfast, snacks or lunch programs to school-aged children and are part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting students’ nutritional needs and promoting positive academic outcomes.
Quick Facts
- More information on how individuals, businesses and organizations can support the campaign is available on Ontario.ca/studentnutrition.
- With Ontario’s additional $5 million investment, the province’s funding for the SNP and FNSNP is $37.5 million in 2025-26.
- Healthy Students Brighter Ontario community partners raised close to $5 million as part of the fundraising campaign in 2023-24. To date, members include: Student Nutrition Ontario, Breakfast Club of Canada, The Grocery Foundation, The Schad Foundation, Farm to Cafeteria Canada, and the Ontario Chapter of Coalition for Healthy School Food.
- The Student Nutrition Program operates in more than 80 per cent of provincially funded schools. The First Nations Student Nutrition Program is offered in 161 educational settings in 66 First Nations communities and 27 urban Indigenous communities across the province.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
