Our Role in School Food
Nourishing students with healthy food at school so they can learn, play and grow
Since our early leadership in helping to develop breakfast programs across Nova Scotia, Nourish Nova Scotia has played a key role in strengthening and advocating for school food programs. Today, our work to support school food continues through food literacy programs, capacity building, and advocacy.
Through our work, we are helping to ensure that nutritious food can be a part of every student’s school day, and that students have opportunities to learn about food and shape the food systems around them - whether it’s in the classroom, the cafeteria, or outside on school grounds.
With the launch of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program, the landscape around school food in Nova Scotia has shifted dramatically. As the program grows, we want to ensure that school food in Nova Scotia can reach its’ full potential, with major positive outcomes for students, communities, and our province.
Now, we are supporting the development and promotion of the school lunch program, including:
- Engaging students and school communities in storytelling about their school food experiences to inform program development and foster support in diverse ways.
- Creating opportunities for food literacy education, including the creation of a cookbook that will provide engaging and fun ways to learn about the school lunch program and encourage students to make some of the recipes at home with their families.
- Fostering partnerships and support to ensure schools are well-equipped to prepare, cook, and serve regionally adapted menus that prioritize local food. This includes launching Nourish Nova Scotia’s School Food Fund, facilitating the Atlantic School Food Infrastructure Fund, and supporting local food procurement initiatives.
In addition to supporting School Lunch, we continue our efforts to build and strengthen robust school food programs across the province. We do this through:
Food Literacy Programs & Resources
We develop food literacy programs that take place in the classroom and on school grounds – with the aim of cultivating nutrition knowledge, food skills, and healthy eating practices among youth. Learn more about our work to promote food literacy at school through programs like Grow Eat Learn and Farm to School Snack. We also create a range of tools and resources for youth and educators to engage in experiential learning around food.
Advocating for School Food
We are an active member of the Coalition for Healthy School Food and serve as the host and coordinator of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Coalition (CHSF-NS). As the largest school food network in Canada, the Coalition for Healthy School Food has come together to advocate for a universal cost-shared school food program for Canada, following the Coalition’s 8 Guiding Principles.
Supporting Mi’kmaw Food Initiatives
We are working to support Mi’kmaw-led food initiatives in collaboration with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, as well as Mi’kmaq schools, communities, and organizations. We are a provincial partner on Nourishing Indigenous Foods and Foodways in Schools, with Farm to Cafeteria Canada.
Supporting School Breakfast Programs
School breakfast programs look different from school to school and continue to play a vital role in helping students to thrive. Nourish Nova Scotia facilitates national funding in support of school breakfast programs and offers a range of resources for school staff and volunteers.
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.”
–
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.”
–
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+.”
–
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.”
–
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.”