Coalition for Healthy School Food
Advocating for School Food
The Coalition for Healthy School Food is the largest school food network in Canada. Over 330 non-profit member organizations and over 144 endorsers from every province and territory have come together to advocate for a universal cost-shared school food program for Canada that follows the Coalition’s 8 Guiding Principles.
Organizations in some provinces have also stepped up to create Chapters, which provide local leadership to build networks engaged in provincial and federal advocacy. Nourish Nova Scotia hosts and coordinates the activities of the Nova Scotia Chapter.
Until 2024, Canada was the only G7 country without a national school food program and Nova Scotia did not have a universally accessible school lunch program. The Coalition for Healthy School Food was instrumental in advocating for the National School Food Program and Policy, and the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program. We applaud both governments for taking important action on school food. We also recognize that it will take time and ongoing advocacy to ensure these new programs realize their full potential.
By joining and engaging in the work of the national Coalition for Healthy School Food and the Nova Scotia Chapter, you can help ensure that diverse voices are heard and effective action is taken to advocate for improvements to school food programs in order to meet the needs of students and communities.
Get Involved
Become a Member
Membership is free and is open to non-profit organizations including co-ops and social enterprises, unions and networks made up of non-profit organizations. Members meet at least 4 times per year and receive regular updates on advocacy efforts, school food research and best practices.
Endorse the Coalition for Healthy School Food
Endorsers are organizations who are not eligible for membership, but who want to support the work of the Coalition. These include government bodies, entities at ‘arm’s-length’ from government (ie. community health boards, school advisory councils, and health authorities), as well as non-profit organizations.
Join the Network of the Nova Scotia Chapter
The Network meets 2-3 times per year to hear updates from the Steering Committee of the NS Chapter and add their voice to inform advocacy efforts. They can also contribute by participating in ad hoc working groups created to advance priorities of the Chapter.
Sign up for #SpeakUp News
Published 3-4 times per year to provide updates on the work of the NS Chapter and share opportunities for subscribers to advocate for school food at various levels of government.
As part of our “Stories from the Ground” series on School Food, here’s what students and the school community are saying:
“Many families have been struggling to juggle financial commitments, including groceries. Quite often people would say, “I had to pay rent and oil to keep a roof over my head, so little money is left for groceries”. Lunches packed from home were often quick and highly processed, and sometimes quite empty. The School Lunch Program has given parents and caregivers the opportunity to have a hot cooked lunch at school, without the financial stress.”
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Debbie, School Food Lead
“Skyla, a grade 2 student at our school, has been coming to the cafeteria for lunches daily since the lunch program started. While she always had a lunch from home, she wanted to try what we were serving. When food service workers asked her if she didn’t like the lunch she had brought from home, she responded, ‘You guys are just such great cookers!’ Needless to say, Skyla and her comment certainly made our day! We are loving the School Lunch Program: it is a joy to make sure each and every child is getting a delicious and nutritious meal, even if they did not order it.”
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Sonya, Food Services
“The Nova Scotia Lunch Program has dramatically improved our lunchtime at our elementary school. It has created a mealtime family. Our children communicate with food staff and each other concerning the menu, recipes and ingredients. The open dialogue has had a positive impact on the success of the program. Every child is able to access a lunch no questions asked. The pre-ordering windows give us a base to start with and our bulk orders covers the extra few who didn’t order. The stress that used to come with “who will be paying” is gone. Healthy food can be costly. This program has eliminated those concerns for the people directly involved. The recipes are fantastic to work with. All tried and true. Favorites at our school are tacos, pizza, wraps and pasta dishes. I would like to thank all involved in the creation of this program. if i had to measure our success in smiles, we would all get an A+.”
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Melisca, Food Service Lead
“The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program has been an absolute game-changer for our small school. It’s not just about providing meals—it’s about leveling the playing field. Every day, students from all walks of life are receiving nutritious food that fuels their learning, ensuring that no one is left behind. What’s truly special is the variety of foods offered. Many of our students are trying fruits, vegetables, and dishes they might not have otherwise had the chance to experience. It’s opening their eyes to new tastes and encouraging healthier eating habits that will benefit them for years to come. This program has made a real difference in our school community, bringing a sense of equity and opportunity for all students, no matter their background. It’s a wonderful reminder that a full belly leads to a focused mind—and a brighter future for every child.”
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Lee Ann, Principal
“I think the lunch program is going really well! A lot of my friends didn’t used to eat lunch, either because they didn’t want to pack something or they didn’t want to eat at school, but now we all order lunch and eat together.”