Nova Scotia Launches Reusable Packaging for School Lunches

Nova Scotia is implementing a pilot program to introduce reusable packaging for its school lunch initiative in a bid to reduce plastic waste. The initiative, announced on March 15, 2024, involves a partnership with the Canadian company Friendlier and will be tested in 34 schools that collectively provide approximately 26,000 lunches each week.

This program comes after the province served 3.6 million lunches in the current school year and 4.7 million over the last school year. By transitioning to reusable containers, the province aims to significantly cut down on single-use plastics associated with school meal programs.

Details of the Pilot Program

Set to commence at the end of February, the pilot will see Friendlier supply reusable containers for school lunches, which will be collected for professional cleaning after use. The containers are designed for durability and can be reused up to 100 times, after which they will be recycled responsibly.

Jacquie Hanton, co-founder of Friendlier, emphasized the program’s potential impact, stating, “By making reuse simple and accessible, Friendlier empowers students to eliminate daily packaging waste and build habits that last a lifetime.” This initiative is viewed as a key step in promoting sustainable practices across Nova Scotia’s school lunch programs.

Enhancements to the Lunch Menu

In addition to the new packaging initiative, the province is also introducing an updated menu featuring items like pork and vegetarian egg roll bowls, chicken fingers, and gluten-friendly cornbread. These changes are effective immediately and are tailored based on whether meals are prepared on-site or delivered to schools.

For schools that utilize lunch delivery, new meals such as barbecued chicken drumsticks and glazed meatloaf will be included. Existing meals are being adjusted to better suit transportation, with sides like whole apples and oranges being added. For schools that prepare lunches on-site, options like grilled cheese with tomato soup and pork quesadillas will now be available.

The province is investing approximately $80 million into the lunch program for the 2025-26 school year. Originally exclusive to elementary students, the program has now expanded to include middle and junior high school grades. Additionally, the federal government’s National School Food Program is contributing $12.4 million over three years to support this initiative.

As Nova Scotia moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on creating a more sustainable and nutritious school lunch experience for students, promoting environmental responsibility while providing healthy meals.