A New Chapter for School Food in Canada
All Levels of Government Back National School Food Program — CHD Canada Urges Focus on Real Food for Kids
For the first time in Canadian history, all levels of government — federal, provincial and territorial governments have united behind the vision for a National School Food Policy:
“That all children and youth in Canada have access to nutritious food at school, in an inclusive, non-stigmatizing environment that fosters healthy practices, while strengthening connections with local food systems, the environment and culture.”
and have signed agreements to support a National School Food Program.
The goal is simple but urgently needed: ensure all children have access to fresh, whole foods during the school day.
This progress is backed by $1 billion in federal funding over five years and the result of years of grassroots advocacy by parents, educators, farmers and public health advocates. CHD Canada is one of 380 member organizations and 152 endorsers that make up the Coalition for Healthy School Food (CHSF).
What’s In the Agreements?
According to the Coalition, the key elements include:
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All provinces and territories are participating, aligning for the first time on a shared vision for school food.
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$1 billion in federal support over five years, with programs tailored to local and regional needs.
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A commitment to universal access — programs will be open to all students, not based on income or ability to pay.
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Agreed-upon guiding principles, including a focus on health, student engagement and community input.
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A strong emphasis on collaboration, not federal control — with implementation driven by provinces, territories and local partners.
CHD Canada’s Position
CHD Canada is a proud to be a member of the Coalition for Healthy School Food (CHSF). We support the program because we believe every child in Canada deserves safe, nourishing food at school — free from pesticides, additives, GMOs, and ultra-processing.
We also understand that some Canadians, especially those with conservative values, may question new government programs. That skepticism is healthy — and necessary. Without transparency and public pressure, these initiatives can be derailed by bureaucracy or captured by corporate food interests.
That’s why public engagement is key.
We believe this program must be permanent and stay focused on real food — fresh, whole, local and organic — NOT pre-packaged, ultra-processed products from multinational suppliers.
If done right, school food programs can strengthen local agriculture, improve children’s health, and help restore a food culture rooted in respect, responsibility and truth.
What You Can Do –> Be a Champion for School Food. Contact your Representatives.
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Ask your school or school board: What will this program look like in your community?
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Support local partnerships with farmers, co-ops and real-food producers.
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Demand transparency about funding use, food sourcing and contracts.
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Get involved in your local school council or food committee.
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Contact the Coalition for Healthy School Food to get involved in your province and help ensure this program is permanent and delivers truly safe, nourishing food for our children.
This is a promising step — but only public vigilance will ensure this funding goes where it should: toward healthy food for kids.
At CHD Canada, we proudly support this movement through our advocacy and membership in the CHSF. We’ll continue to speak up for school food programs that are grounded in safety, nutrition and real, honest ingredients — and we urge parents across Canada to do the same.
Learn more HERE
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