Making School Meals a Reality for More Kids in Ottawa
Canada All National News | December 4, 2024
A new program is set to expand access to school meals for children in Ottawa, providing nutritious meals to students who need them most.
The “Making School Meals a Reality for More Kids” program, a partnership between the Ottawa School Board, Ottawa Public Health, and community organizations, aims to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits among students.
The program will launch in January 2025 with a pilot program in 10 schools across the city. The schools selected for the pilot phase represent a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that students from all areas of Ottawa have access to this essential service.
Through the program, all students in participating schools will have access to free, nutritious school meals, regardless of their family’s income. The meals will be prepared fresh daily and meet provincial nutritional guidelines, providing students with balanced meals that support their learning and development.
“We know that when students are well-nourished, they are better able to focus in class, learn, and participate in extracurricular activities,” said Ottawa School Board Chair Lyra Evans. “This program will make a real difference in the lives of our students, ensuring that they have access to the healthy food they need to succeed.”
The program is also designed to be sustainable and culturally inclusive. The menu will reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of Ottawa’s student population, and the program will be evaluated regularly to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the community.
“We are committed to ensuring that all students in Ottawa have access to the resources they need to succeed,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “This program is an important step towards making sure that our children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The “Making School Meals a Reality for More Kids” program is funded by a combination of federal, provincial, and municipal grants, as well as private donations. The program will be fully implemented in all Ottawa schools by September 2026.
Additional Information:
- The program will be administered by Ottawa Public Health, with support from community organizations such as the Ottawa Food Bank and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
- The program will also include nutrition education and cooking classes for students and families, promoting healthy eating habits beyond the school day.
- The program is expected to reach over 50,000 students in Ottawa, providing them with access to nutritious school meals and supporting their well-being and academic success.
Making school meals a reality for more kids in Ottawa
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