PETERBOROUGH, Ont. — The Ontario government is increasing its investment in student nutrition programs by $5 million, bringing total funding to $37.5 million for the 2025–26 school year. The funding will expand access to healthy meals for more than 800,000 students, delivering over 140 million meals and snacks through the Student Nutrition Program (SNP) and the First Nations Student Nutrition Program (FNSNP).
The announcement, made Friday by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, highlights the province’s commitment to improving student health and academic outcomes amid growing food insecurity and rising costs.
Government Commits to Strengthening Student Health and Learning
“To protect Ontario, we need to support the health and well-being of Ontario’s students, so they can stay focused on the things that matter most,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Today’s investment will strengthen Ontario’s student nutrition programs to ensure more children and young people have access to healthy and nutritious food. This is only possible thanks to the many community partners and volunteers who are generously contributing to such an important cause.”
The province also announced the relaunch of the Healthy Students Brighter Ontario community fundraising campaign. The initiative will mobilize local businesses and community leaders to raise an additional $5 million in support of student nutrition programs.
“Students deserve every chance to succeed, and that starts with proper nutrition,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “By increasing our investment in Ontario’s student nutrition programs, our government is taking action to ensure more students have access to healthy meals that help them learn, grow and give them the support they need to succeed now and in the future.”
Supporting Indigenous Communities and Food Security
The First Nations Student Nutrition Program serves 161 educational settings across 66 First Nations communities and 27 urban Indigenous communities. The additional funding aims to enhance food security and ensure equitable access to healthy meals for Indigenous students.
“This investment in Ontario’s First Nations Student Nutrition Program sites throughout the province supports student academic success and well-being,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Our government is continuing to work alongside Indigenous partners to strengthen food security and improve access to meals for First Nations students, to help students and communities thrive now and, in the future.”
“When youth are fed, so are their minds and spirits,” said Sean Longboat, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. “Across Ontario’s Friendship Centres, a shared meal does more than nourish; it inspires learning, connection, and confidence. Today’s investment in the Student Nutrition Program and First Nations Student Nutrition Program strengthens not only food access but the futures of the young people we serve.”
Community and Industry Partners Applaud Investment
Local and provincial organizations welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the importance of sustained support as food prices continue to rise.
“Student Nutrition Ontario welcomes the Province of Ontario’s $5 million investment in student nutrition programs,” said Student Nutrition Ontario. “As food prices continue to rise and more children and youth rely on these programs, this funding arrives at a critical time. It will help ensure that students across the province, especially those facing food security challenges, have access to the nourishment they need to thrive in school and beyond.”
“No child should have to start their day hungry,” said Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Government Relations Director of the Breakfast Club of Canada. “Feeding children is everyone’s business, and together, the public, private and community sectors can ensure Ontario students have the nourishment they need to learn and reach their full potential.”
“Breakfast is more than a meal — it’s the first step toward every child’s success,” added Shaun McKenna, Executive Director of The Grocery Foundation. “Happy tummies mean brighter classrooms, stronger communities, and a better Ontario.”
Other partner organizations echoed the message of collaboration and shared responsibility.
“When communities come together to feed kids, amazing things happen,” said Peter Kendall, Executive Director of The Schad Foundation. “We know how critical it is to support today’s learners – tomorrow’s leaders – to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Jesse Veenstra, Executive Director of Farm to Cafeteria Canada. Sarah Keyes, Provincial Lead of the Ontario Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food, added, “With the increases in the price of food, we know the Ontario investment is so needed to help provide students with nutritious food at school.”
Building a Healthier Future for Ontario’s Students
More than 80 per cent of Ontario’s publicly funded schools now participate in the Student Nutrition Program, which provides breakfast, lunch, or snacks in partnership with community organizations and volunteers.
The Healthy Students Brighter Ontario campaign will continue to encourage public, private, and community support to ensure all students have access to nutritious food every school day.
More information about how individuals, businesses, and organizations can get involved is available at Ontario.ca/studentnutrition.
