National School Food Program helps students and families in British Columbia

As a new school year begins, the Government of Canada’s National School Food Program is helping more children in British Columbia access nutritious food at school while bringing down costs for families.

For the 2026-27 school year, federal funding for provincial and territorial school food programs has doubled from 2024-25 levels to $140 million annually. Through the program, the federal government is helping provide meals to up to 400,000 more kids every year.

On average, participating families with two children in school can save an estimated $800 a year on grocery bills. Nutritious food at school also supports children’s health and learning while strengthening local economies, Canadian farmers and food producers.

The National School Food Program is part of broader federal action to make life more affordable for people in British Columbia. In British Columbia, 455,160 families are receiving the Canada Child Benefit, over 1.54 million people are receiving the Groceries and Essentials Benefit, and federal investments in early learning and child care have helped reduce child care fees by 50%, on average, saving families an average of $7,293 per child annually.

This school year, more than 10,000 schools – approximately 80% of provincial- and territorial-operated schools across Canada – are offering school food programs.