CTF/FCE Celebrates Federal Government Investment in School Food
Ottawa, Monday, April 1, 2024 – The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) expressed their appreciation to the federal government for taking a significant step towards ensuring all Canadian children have access to healthy and nutritious meals while at school. The government’s announcement of a significant investment to support a Universal School Food Program is a monumental step toward addressing the critical issue of food insecurity in our nation and to helping all children thrive in school. The federal government will invest $1 billion, to be distributed by provinces and territories over a period of 5 years, with $200 million being allocated each year.
The CTF/FCE has been advocating for this program for over a decade, collaborating in recent years with organizations such as the Breakfast Clubs of Canada and the Coalition for Healthy School Food to make it a reality. We firmly believe that such initiatives are essential in fostering equitable access to education and promoting the well-being of Canadian families. “We are thrilled that the Government has taken this momentous step for Canada and joined the rest of the G7, and most other countries in the world, in recognizing the critical importance of school food,” said Debbie Field, Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food.
The President of the CTF/FCE, Heidi Yetman, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it is not just a matter of policy but a moral imperative. “With more families struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, the implementation of a Universal School Food Program is necessary to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals. This program will also contribute greatly to creating more conducive learning environments and supporting students’ overall success”.
The CTF/FCE thanks the federal government, leaders in the school food sector, its members and partners, and all Canadians who worked together to ensure that every child in Canada has access to nutritious food, empowering them to reach their full potential.
About the CTF/FCE
Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 365,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 32-million educators.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
Contact
Mobile: 613-606-7809
