WESTLOCK — More students in the Pembina Hills School Division (PHSD) will have access to nutritious food thanks to an additional $5 million top-up to the province’s school nutrition program.
The one-time grant announced at the end of February will expand the provincial program to provide more students with nutritious meals and snacks this school year.
Alberta Education has already provided $20 million to school authorities for school nutrition programs in 2023-2024, with the additional funds increasing that amount to $25 million. The grant will automatically flow to public, separate, francophone and applicable public charter schools through regular funding channels.
In this region, the grant portion for PHSD totals an additional $60,565 in school nutrition funding.
“Our administration is currently working with principals to determine where funds are most needed,” said assistant coordinator of communications, Jan Carswell, noting that allocations to schools have not yet been completed.
She noted nutrition funding across the division first came into place in 2017 with programs running in almost all PHSD schools.
“Schools run breakfast and/or lunch programs and the funding can go towards food, equipment (fridge or freezer), and staffing to purchase, prepare and serve food,” she said, adding that schools submit a projected budget each year based on the need at the school.
More than 58,000 students across the province currently receive a nutritious meal every day through the province’s school nutrition program. The additional funding is expected to allow schools to create, continue or enhance nutrition programs in identified schools.
“Proper nutrition is essential for student success. No one is operating at their best on an empty stomach,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education. “To acknowledge the rising costs of food and services, we’re thrilled to be able to provide additional funding to support student nutrition through the end of this school year.”
