In New Brunswick, several networks and organizations are actively involved in helping to support healthy school food programs and healthier school food environments. Many of these organizations are members of the national Coalition for Healthy School Food, a group of organizations seeking federal investment in a Universal Healthy School Food Program to support the health, well-being and education of all Canadian children. 

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Many schools in the province offer meal programs, however, there is significant variability in how these programs are funded and delivered. This patchwork of programming does not allow for universal access to healthy, nutritious food. Collaboration and investments are needed from federal, provincial and municipal governments to supplement the contributions of school communities, businesses, foundations and volunteers to create a universal program for all children and youth from K to 12. The newly formed NB Liberal government has committed to an investment of $27.6 million towards universal breakfast and pay-what-you-can lunch programs across all NB schools.

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The formation of the "NB School Food Coalition" (NBSFC) was announced in the fall of 2024; developed to work collectively towards the advancement of school food programming in New Brunswick to meet the diverse needs of school communities across the province. While the NBSFC is not an official Coalition chapter, it is closely connected to the Coalition and its work, through Food For All NB (a Coalition for Healthy School Food member organization), the organization leading the NB coalition's development.

 

Members of the NBSFC will work together to enhance awareness and education surrounding school food programs in NB. The NBSFC commits to working with diverse partners and representatives involved in health, education, and food from all regions, First Nations, and key sectors to support capacity building and policy development for high quality school food programming for all students.​​

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For more information, contact Olivia Malone, Project Coordinator, schoolfood@foodforallnb.ca or visit Food For All NB | Aliments pour tous NB’s website for more information.