All public school students across Nova Scotia will soon be able to start each day with a healthy breakfast at school.
Government has more than doubled its funding to the School Healthy Eating Program bringing the total annual investment to $1,975,000.
Halifax Atlantic MLA Brendan Maguire, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey, made the announcement today, Jan. 22, at Burton Ettinger Elementary School in Halifax.
“A healthy breakfast is an important start to the day,” said Mr. Maguire. “We want to lay the foundation for good nutrition and give children every opportunity possible to reach their potential in the classroom.”
The new funding means the program can be offered at every school across the province, and will allow other schools to expand their current healthy eating programs beyond breakfast. That could mean providing healthy foods and beverages through vegetable and fruit snack programs, lunch programs, and after-school snack programs.
“I’ve been part of our school’s breakfast program since 2002, and it’s such a great way to start the day – for me and for the students,” said Pam Carter, a teacher and dedicated breakfast co-ordinator. “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the difference a healthy meal makes to the students here at Burton Ettinger Elementary and had the opportunity to meet so many students every morning. I’m thrilled we’ll be doing even more.”
“At Nourish, we know that good eating equals good thinking,” said Nourish Nova Scotia executive director Margo Riebe-Butt. “The increased funding will allow programs to offer more fruits and vegetables, ensuring good nutrition to support students to be healthy learners.”
School healthy eating programs served more than five million breakfasts to Nova Scotia students last year. Every public school student in Nova Scotia will benefit from this expansion.
More information about the School Healthy Eating Program is available at https://nourishns.ca/program-support/programs-we-support.
Source: Release