Nova Scotia School Lunch Program

“I wanted to highlight a great example of collaboration and integration between our food service staff and students at Islands. Lawna Sullivan and Cheryl Boushey have been working closely with Grade 5 students on a project that connects classroom learning with the Provincial Lunch Program. The students gathered data on meal preferences and created charts and graphs to showcase their findings. This initiative not only helps students develop important skills like data collection and analysis, but it also strengthens the connection between food services and the school community. It’s fantastic to see our food service staff engaging with students in such a meaningful way, helping them understand the role of nutrition and meal planning in their daily lives.”

“I’m a grade 5 teacher at a rural school, and the lunch program is going really well here! Students are trying new things and are excited when their favourite meals come around. The salad bar is a huge hit as well. I love that there is no longer a scramble to make sure everyone has a lunch. Every student is welcome to eat, no questions asked. It may seem like a small thing but it really means so much.”

“Beyond access to food, this program has also encouraged students to try new foods and expand their palates. Kids who were once considered picky eaters are finishing their meals and even asking for extra vegetables! I’ve seen students excitedly encouraging their friends to try something new, which is amazing to witness.”

“Love love love it! It’s made my life so much easier and my kids have loved it! I can not express for very moms how helpful this is! It’s truly worth every penny, there’s been like 2 things my oldest hasn’t liked, so far both my kids (6 and 9) have liked it!”

“Overall, this year has been about building the systems, partnerships, and production capacity needed to support large-scale school lunch delivery in HRM, while keeping as much of the program as possible rooted in the local community. This work continues as we learn more and more about each individual school we work with, tailoring to their needs so that this program has as much success as possible.”

“The kids love coming to the cafeteria every morning and asking everyday what’s for lunch with the biggest smiles on their faces. There’s no better feeling then knowing you’re feeding kids with healthy options.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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+.”

“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.”