Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière, Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, and La Grande Table Director Vincent Boutin gathered to discuss how the new federal School Meal Program will affect Sherbrooke. Photo by William Crooks
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In the 2024 federal budget announcement, the Canadian government pledged an investment of $1 billion over five years to implement a new school meal program. This initiative is expected to provide nutritious meals to an additional 400,000 children, augmenting the existing school food services and addressing the critical issue of food insecurity among students.
Compton-Stanstead MP Marie-Claude Bibeau, Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière, and La Grande Table Director Vincent Boutin, held an informal, joint press conference May 17 in the La Grande Table dining room to discuss the issue. La Grande Table is a food-assistance charitable organization that has been in operation in Sherbrooke since 1991.
“And it is certain that national aid would allow us to serve all of these young people, because for some people, even one dollar is too expensive to eat properly,” Boutin said to reporters.
“And at least with a national program… for us, it is certain that we see this in a positive light.”
The need for this program has been evident for years, according to the three. Discussions with local education authorities and visits to schools have highlighted the acute demand for better food support systems.
Boutin, a key figure in advocating for the program, has frequently noted the stark realities faced by schools, especially in economically disadvantaged areas like Sherbrooke. Recognized as one of the poorest constituencies in Canada, Sherbrooke stands to benefit significantly from this initiative.
The new funding aims to bridge the gap in nutritional provision within schools, ensuring that more children receive the meals they need to thrive academically and socially. Research consistently shows that proper nutrition is crucial for students’ energy levels, concentration, and overall performance in school. Moreover, it addresses the broader issue of food insecurity, which affects many families, particularly in low-income districts.
The federal government’s commitment includes not only the school meal program but also support for local food infrastructure through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This fund assists with the costs of essential equipment such as cold storage units, refrigerated trucks, and community kitchens, thereby enhancing the capacity of organizations like La Grande Table. This organization has been instrumental in providing meals to schools, and the new funds will enable it to expand its reach and impact.
For Sherbrooke, the practical impact of this program is already becoming evident. Two years ago, only 4-5 schools were receiving meal support through local initiatives; today, that number has increased to 13, with approximately 800-900 meals being served daily. However, this still only covers a fraction of the 43 school service centers in the area. With the new federal funding, it is anticipated that the program will extend to more schools, potentially increasing coverage to all schools in Sherbrooke.
Negotiations between the federal and Quebec governments are ongoing to finalize the transfer and allocation of funds. The intention is to enhance existing programs rather than replace provincial funding with federal money. This collaboration aims to ensure the program’s smooth implementation and long-term sustainability. Quebec is expected to receive around 22-23 per cent of the total funds, reflecting the usual distribution of federal support to the province.
In addition to providing meals, the program is designed to address cultural and logistical challenges faced by families. For many parents, transitioning from daycare, where meals are often provided, to school, where they need to prepare lunches, can be daunting. The new program aims to standardize meal provision across schools, easing this burden on families and ensuring all children have access to healthy, balanced meals.
The program also has significant educational benefits. Studies show that children who have access to nutritious meals are more likely to attend school regularly and perform better academically. The initiative is expected to boost school attendance and reduce dropout rates, particularly in underprivileged areas. Moreover, by providing a reliable source of nutritious food, the program can help foster better eating habits among children, which can have long-term health benefits.
The 2024 budget’s investment in school meals is part of a broader strategy to address child poverty and promote educational equity. The initiative is in line with the Canada Food Policy, which was developed with input from over 35,000 Canadians. This policy aims to ensure that all Canadians have access to healthy food and that the food system is resilient and sustainable.
The introduction of this program is timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and highlighted the importance of robust food support systems. The pandemic has led to an increase in demand for food assistance, both at food banks and within schools. The new school meal program is a response to these increased needs, providing a structured and sustainable solution to child hunger.