The Manitoba government announced today that an additional $1.3 million will be invested to support the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba in delivering school nourishment programs.
Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness Sarah Guillemard says that these programs will help many families affected by rising food prices and will enable the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba to cover a larger percentage of costs for meal and snack programs at funded schools.
"School nourishment programs support healthy eating and food security for Manitoba children during the critical, ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," Guillemard adds.
According to Guillemard, evidence suggests the programs are crucial in encouraging school attendance, supporting learning and promoting lifelong health and wellness.
Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko says that school nourishment programs provide a social school environment where students can consume nutritious food, ensuring a healthy, nutritious start for the day.
“This additional investment was identified as a priority in the report of the Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education and aligns with the Manitoba K to 12 Education Action Plan’s identified actions to remove barriers to participation and engagement in learning," Ewasko adds.
According to a news release from the provincial government, the new investment brings the total provincial funding for school nutrition programs this year to $2.5 million.
