Friday, October 10, 2025
Ontario Increasing Student Nutrition Investment to $37.5 Million
Province helping more students access healthy meals so they can succeed at school
The Ontario government is protecting students by increasing its investment in the Student Nutrition Program (SNP) and the First Nations Student Nutrition Program (FNSNP) by $5 million, for a total investment of $37.5 million this year. The two programs will serve more than 800,000 students, projected to deliver over 140 million healthy meals and snacks under the Student Nutrition Program and more than 1.4 million meals and snacks to students in Indigenous communities this school year.
"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.”
To further support these programs, Ontario is also relaunching the Healthy Students Brighter Ontario community fundraising campaign in recognition of the key role grassroots partnerships have in building stronger communities. As the campaign kicks off, partner organizations will work with local businesses and community leaders towards an additional fundraising goal of $5 million.
“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.”
The SNP and FNSNP are delivered in partnership with local agencies, school boards and community partner organizations. Countless volunteers support the programs by preparing and serving food in school settings. Both programs provide breakfast, snacks or lunch programs to school-aged children and are part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by supporting students’ nutritional needs and promoting positive academic outcomes. Quick Facts:
Quotes:
"This investment in Ontario’s First Nations Student Nutrition Program sites throughout the province supports student academic success and well-being. 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."
- Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
"When youth are fed, so are their minds and spirits. 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."
- Sean Longboat, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
"Student Nutrition Ontario welcomes the Province of Ontario’s $5 million investment in student nutrition programs. 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. We are grateful for the government’s continued commitment to student well-being and look forward to working with our partners to build a healthier, brighter future for Ontario’s children."
- Student Nutrition Ontario
"No child should have to start their day hungry. 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. Rising food costs and added pressures are forcing families into hard choices. By working together, we can protect the well-being of Ontario children and invest in our collective future."
- Judith Barry, Co-Founder and Government Relations Director, Breakfast Club of Canada
"Breakfast is more than a meal — it's the first step toward every child's success. We commend all the support from the Ministry and Ontarians who rally to nourish children through their school's student nutrition program. Happy tummies mean brighter classrooms, stronger communities, and a better Ontario."
- Shaun McKenna, Executive Director, The Grocery Foundation
"When communities come together to feed kids, amazing things happen. Students learn better, families feel supported, and local donors and volunteers see their efforts make a real difference. Let’s keep building on this momentum for every student in Ontario."
- Peter Kendall, Executive Director, The Schad Foundation
"We know how critical it is to support today's learners – tomorrow's leaders – to thrive and reach their full potential. Farm to Cafeteria Canada's comprehensive grants help support students to access healthy food at school, hands-on food literacy to serve them for a lifetime of healthy eating, and community connections so that they can feel nourished in body as well as mind and spirit. Farm to Cafeteria Canada is pleased to contribute to this collaborative effort to make sure children and youth across Ontario can access nourishing food each and every school day."
- Jesse Veenstra, Executive Director, Farm to Cafeteria Canada
"The Ontario Chapter of Coalition for Healthy School Food welcomes this new investment by the Ontario government in our province's student nutrition programs. 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. This is why we are also working to increase municipal and federal investments in this important cost-shared program."
- Sarah Keyes, Provincial Lead, Ontario Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Douglas Allingham Minister’s Office Douglas.Allingham@ontario.ca
Media Relations Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services media.mccss@ontario.ca
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