Call to action: BC needs a National School Food Program agreement
Full bellies allow young minds to flourish, imagine, and connect.
Sent to Premier Eby, Minister Beare, and Minister Boyle on February 25, 2025
Written by Rowan Burdge, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
I am writing today on behalf of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, an endorsing organization of the BC Chapter of the Coalition for Healthy School Food (CHSF), with a simple request: sign an agreement with the federal government under the National School Food Policy. Taking this timely step will have profound positive impacts across the province and assure people in BC that your government prioritizes the well-being of school children.
By ensuring all possible avenues of support are pursued and secured to maintain successful school food programs in BC, your government can ensure that students have the best possible chance at meeting their educational goals. Full bellies allow young minds to flourish, imagine, and connect.
We recognize that B.C. has been a leader in SFP advocacy in Canada, with the Feeding Futures program being the largest investment in SFPs in the province’s history. Now is not the time to backslide. We urge you to continue to build upon the foundation that has been established through FeedBC.
Signing an agreement with the federal government under the National School Food Policy solidifies Budget 2024’s allocation of $79 million, the first-year investment of the National School Food Program, and supports B.C. students within this school year through the existing Feeding Futures Program. An agreement in place by the end of March will ensure millions of dollars are directly helping feed children and youth in B.C.
In your election platform, you prioritized the creation of a universal SFP to ensure all students have access to healthy meals that meet comprehensive nutritional guidelines to support children’s health and development. You also pledged to partner with schools, local farmers, and community organizations to promote sustainable food practices and increase food literacy by educating students about healthy eating. These are two essential tenets of a successful, beneficial SFP in B.C., and must be implemented in a holistic way where government, school districts, and civil society work together towards a common good.
We are concerned, however, about the omission of this priority from the cabinet mandate letters. SFPs are essential to the province’s stated priorities:
to grow the economy by supporting the agricultural sector and strengthening local food systems;
to ensure positive health outcomes for all by ensuring all students are nourished and ready to learn; and,
to help families with rising costs of living and groceries through providing meals in schools.
SFPs can provide significant value and relieve pressure on household budgets. Evidence shows a return of 2.5 to 7 times the investment through improved human health and economic benefits.
Effective learning is only possible when students are well-fed and free from food insecurity and poverty. These challenges, if left unaddressed, impact future employment opportunities, and lead to lower educational outcomes and further marginalization for vulnerable students.
A universal SFP in BC would ensure that both urban and rural students have increased chances of academic success.
With 90% of Indigenous children and youth in B.C. attending public schools, expanding and sustaining SFPs is also essential for advancing reconciliation and improving the quality of life for Indigenous peoples. This aligns directly with the priorities outlined in Minister Boyle’s mandate letter.
We deeply appreciate your commitment to ensuring the success of B.C. students by supporting their health and readiness to learn. Thank you for your time and dedication to this important cause.
