Sask NDP is calling on the provincial government to sign onto the National School Food Program, warning that delays could cost the province $17 million in federal funding.
The Sask Party government has yet to commit to the program, which was introduced last year, despite six other provinces already securing their share of funding.
“This agreement should have been signed months ago,” said Matt Love, Sask NDP Shadow Minister for Education.
“Sky-high food prices aren’t new, and families doing everything right have been struggling for years. We’ve heard from parents who say this funding could have made a difference months ago.”
With food insecurity impacting students across the province, the NDP is urging the government to take action, citing research that shows nutrition programs improve both health and academic success.
“The federal government is ready to start funding this year — if Saskatchewan signs on,” said the Sask NDP in a statement.
Saskatchewan currently spends the least on school food programs in the country, at just four cents per student per day.
“You can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Joan Pratchler, Sask NDP Shadow Minister for Early Learning and Childcare.
“Our province feeds the world. We shouldn’t be taking our sweet time feeding our own kids. I know every parent, teacher, and especially us grandmas want the same thing.”
Sask NDP is pushing for the federal funds to go towards a school nutrition program that sources locally grown food, supporting Saskatchewan farmers while educating students about agriculture.
The province has not indicated when or if it will sign onto the program.
