New Brunswick Expands Free Breakfast Program to 269 Schools

Students in New Brunswick will soon benefit from a significant expansion of a free breakfast program, now accessible at 269 public schools across the province. This initiative is in partnership with Feed NB and aims to provide nutritious meals to students, ensuring they are better prepared for their educational activities.

Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick, emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in education. “We know that when students have a full belly, they can better focus on learning,” she stated in a release from the Liberal government. The program is designed to alleviate some financial pressure on families by providing universal access to school breakfasts.

The announcement follows comments from Claire Johnson, Minister of Education, who indicated that the government required additional time to evaluate similar programs in other provinces. Johnson stated in an interview with CBC New Brunswick that the rollout would begin at the start of the next school year, which begins in September 2024.

This free breakfast program is part of the Holt government’s campaign promises, which also include a pay-what-you-can lunch initiative. Last year, Holt estimated the cost of the breakfast program at $9 million, while the lunch program would require an investment of $18 million.

In a collaborative effort, the federal government has committed $11 million to support the breakfast initiative, significantly reducing the financial burden on the provincial government, which will contribute $2 million. The combined funding of $13 million from both levels of government marks a pivotal moment for the expansion of this program.

The breakfasts will consist of a variety of nutritious options, including apples, milk, eggs, cheese, bread, cereal, and bagels. The program aims to source as many ingredients as possible from local producers in New Brunswick and, where feasible, from other Canadian suppliers. Johnson noted that this initiative will lead to “more engaged students and better results overall.”

Stéphane Sirois, Executive Director of Feed NB, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the provincial government. “This is a big step towards our vision of a hunger-free New Brunswick,” Sirois remarked, highlighting the broader impact of the program.

Statistics Canada reports that one in four children arrive at school hungry, underscoring the urgent need for such initiatives. The expansion of the free breakfast program is anticipated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families, fostering a healthier and more conducive learning environment for New Brunswick’s youth.