SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Sask. Party government to support Saskatchewan families and sign on to the National School Food Program, something that should have been done months ago.
The Sask. Party has delayed signing on since the program was introduced last year and is set to leave $17 million in federal funding on the table.
“This agreement should have been signed months ago,” said Matt Love, Saskatchewan 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.
“Saskatchewan students are our future — we should be supporting them in every way we can.”
Six provinces have already secured school food funding, but the Sask. Party government has dragged its feet despite experts agreeing that nutrition programs improve health and success in school.
The federal government is ready to start funding this year — if Saskatchewan signs on.
Of the provinces that have implemented programs, Saskatchewan spends the least on school food in Canada — just four cents per student per day.
“You can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said Joan Pratchler, Saskatchewan 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.”
The Saskatchewan NDP wants to see the federal funds go towards a provincial school nutrition program that uses locally grown food, supporting Saskatchewan’s farmers and teaching our students about agriculture.
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