National School Food Program Coming Soon to Saskatchewan Schools
By: Lance Hiltz, STF Communications
On March 10, 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan and Government of Canada announced the signing of a $15.8 million three-year agreement as part of the National School Food Program. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation applauds this agreement and looks forward to its implementation for students across the province.
Healthy and accessible food programs in schools play an important role in supporting learning.
“We are excited to see the provincial and federal governments moving this critical program forward,” says Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte. “There is significant data linking students’ learning outcomes and access to nutritious food. This program will help make sure that more children can focus on reading, math and other lessons without having to worry about their next meal.”
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation ran a nationwide campaign calling on the public to encourage their provincial governments to sign on to this critical program. As of March 10, all provinces and territories have signed agreements with the federal government for school food program funding.
“We thank all member and associate organizations in calling on provincial and territorial governments to come to the table and sign National School Food Program agreements across the country,” says Canadian Teachers’ Federation President Heidi Yetman. “At a time when the cost of living is the highest in recent memory, this essential program is saving Canadian families money while also bringing nutritious food to Canada’s most vulnerable. This program was long overdue.”
In their March 10 news release announcing the signing, Education Minister Everett Hindley shared his thoughts on the program. “We recognize that basic nutrition at school contributes to positive student outcomes including improved academic work, initiative, class participation and problem solving. This funding will make a difference and allow us to continue to support the well-being of children and families who need it most across our growing province.”
“This investment will help to support the growing need for school food programs and student nutrition in our province,” says Saskatchewan School Boards Association President Dr. Shawn Davidson. “Our association adopted a resolution in 2023 to advocate provincially and nationally with the Canadian School Boards Association for the development of a healthy, universal, cost-shared school food program funded by the federal and provincial governments in consultation with all school boards. Our efforts, along with many other like-minded organizations and partners, have helped.”
Existing school food programs in the province will be better supported through this funding and available in more schools. According to a March 10 news release from the Government of Canada, Saskatchewan families with two children in school can save an estimated $800 in grocery bills a year, on average, through this agreement.
From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Summer 2025