Canada

Canada-Alberta National School Food Program to feed more students

Published 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says Alberta’s government, along with the federal government, is expanding school food programs with funding from the Canada-Alberta National School Food Program. (File photo by Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta)

The Canada-Alberta National School Food Program continues to expand to assist Alberta students.

Through the federal-provincial partnership, over $17.6 million in 2026–27 will support school programs, up from $17.4 million in 2025-26.

School boards and eligible public charter schools can use the funding to cover essential costs, including food, staffing and program administration.

“No child should have to try to learn on an empty stomach. This investment, alongside federal funding, will help ensure more students across Alberta are nourished, supported and ready to succeed in the classroom,” said Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, in a statement.

Funding for the food program builds on $20 million that Alberta’s government provides annually through Alberta’s School Nutrition Program which helps 58,000 students in participating schools access a daily, nutritious meal.

“When students have nutritious food, they learn better. These school grants provide schools an opportunity to teach students about what makes a nutritious meal and helps create lifelong healthy eating habits,” said Chris Andrew, school board chair with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.

Alberta’s government is collecting data from school boards to measure the direct impact of federal funding. The next report, including details on the number of students participating in school food programs, is due by Jan. 31, 2027.

Secretary of State, Children and Youth Anna Gainey said Canada’s National School Food Program is helping children succeed in the classroom and easing costs for families.

Non-profit organizations also play an important role in providing students with nutritious meals. The province is providing $500,000 through the Innovation and Best Practices in School Nutrition grant to Apple Schools, Farm to Cafeteria Canada and Breakfast Club of Canada.

The nonprofits will also identify successful approaches taken in school nutrition programs across Alberta, and share their findings with school boards in the 2026-27 school year.