State strengthens school nutrition programs, bringing total $25 million for 2023-2024 school year
WESTLOCK — More students in the Pembina Hills School District (PHSD) will have access to nutritious foods thanks to an additional $5 million supplement to the state’s school nutrition program.
The one-time grant, announced at the end of February, will expand the state’s program to provide nutritious meals and snacks to more students this school year.
Alberta Education has already provided $20 million to school authorities for school nutrition programs in 2023-2024, and the additional funding will increase that amount to $25 million. This grant will automatically go to public, francophone, and applicable public charter schools through regular funding channels.
In this region, the grant portion to PHSD will add a total of $60,565 in school nutrition funding.
“Our administration is currently working with principals to determine where funding is most needed,” said Jean Carswell, assistant public relations coordinator, adding that school allocations are not yet complete. I pointed out that it was not.
She said department-wide nutrition funding was first implemented in 2017, with programs implemented in nearly all PHSD schools.
“Schools are implementing breakfast and/or lunch programs, and the funds can be used to pay for food, equipment (refrigerators or freezers), and staffing to purchase, prepare, and serve food,” she said. , added that the school submits a budget based on the plan every year. Required at school.
More than 58,000 students across the state currently receive nutritious meals each day through the state’s school nutrition program. It is hoped that the additional funding will allow schools to create, continue or enhance nutrition programs in specific schools.
“Proper nutrition is essential to a student’s success. No one performs at their best on an empty stomach,” said Demetrios Nicolaides. Minister of Education. “Recognizing the rising costs of food and services, we are pleased to provide additional funding to support student nutrition through the end of this school year.”
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