The importance of school food programs

Click here to watch Nourish NS Executive Director Lisa Roberts’ interview on CTV Atlantic on Aug. 2/2023

Groceries are more expensive than ever, and every Nova Scotian knows they need to stretch their dollar as much as possible. Parents of school-age children know especially how expensive this time of year can be. Extracurriculars, field trips, new clothes, school supplies, the list goes on. Above all comes the grocery bill - growing kids need all the fuel they can get to succeed at school.

Nourish Nova Scotia is continuing to work in partnership with schools and their surrounding communities to make sure kids have the food they need to live healthy lives both at school and at home. Through our school food programs, farm-to-school fundraisers, garden programs, and by offering food literacy resources, Nourish Nova Scotia is helping to ensure all children are well nourished so they can live, learn, and play.

Kids spend around seven hours of each weekday at school. Whether they’re remaining attentive in math class or running around during recess - they need fuel for their bodies and their brains. Universal school food programs can help deliver the nourishment they need to succeed in the classroom.

Reducing the stigma and making food accessible is essential to fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom. Creating food programs for everyone also reduces the cost-per-meal for food service workers and food coordinators allowing schools to stretch their budgets so all students have access to the food they need.

Nourish Nova Scotia is always looking for more volunteers to help grow and facilitate these important programs. Whether you’re looking to donate directly, donate your time to one of our programs, or donate your skills to help Nourish succeed, we’d love to have you. Visit our website for more information on volunteering and to find more resources. Together, we can help our children and youth become the next generation of healthy eaters, one bite at a time.