With Bill C-15 receiving Royal Assent, the National School Food Program Act is now law. This makes the Government of Canada’s commitment to a permanent National School Food Program part of Canadian law.
No child should have to learn on an empty stomach. The program helps more children access nutritious meals at school, while supporting families with the rising cost of groceries.
What the Act does
The Act confirms the Government’s long-term commitment to funding the National School Food Program and continuing to work with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to strengthen and expand school food programs across Canada.
Together with ongoing funding secured in Budget 2025, the legislation fulfills the Government’s commitment to make the program permanent.
Supporting children and families
The program is expected to help up to 400,000 more children access nutritious meals at school each day. By helping provide meals during the school day, it can also save parents around $800 on groceries each year.
Budget 2025 provides $216.6 million per year starting in 2029–30 to Employment and Social Development Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to support the program’s long-term future.
This builds on Budget 2024’s $1-billion investment over five years, which includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on reserve, Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement holders.
A strong foundation for school food
The National School Food Policy, released in June 2024, guides this work. It aims to support school food programs that are accessible and free from stigma, encourage healthy habits, and strengthen connections with the environment, culture and local food systems.
The Big Picture
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Making the National School Food Program permanent gives communities and partners a lasting foundation to help children access nutritious food at school.
By investing in young people and supporting families, we are building a stronger future for Canada.
That’s how we Build Canada Strong.
