New Brunswick is rolling out its healthy lunch program across the province, but more than 50 schools still don’t have access to it. The New Brunswick school year, which kicked off on Tuesday, was set to feature a new affordable, healthy lunch program for students. The government says 241 schools – or 81 per cent of the total in the province – have the lunch service, but 56 do not. “The families at these schools have been notified and, wherever possible, contingencies are being put in place to make lunch available for the first few days of classes; many of the remaining schools are expected to have service by the end of next week,” a news release from the province reads. “Some of these situations require unique solutions due to last-minute equipment or renovation delays. Staff at the district and department levels have been working with providers to address challenges as they arise and ensure students are fed, supported and ready to learn.” At a news conference at Hanwell Park Academy, a kindergarten to Grade 8 school in Hanwell, Premier Susan Holt said a “workforce shortage” was responsible for the program’s delay in some schools. “We’ve seen delayed inspections, delayed delivery of equipment, and some of the challenges with getting those trades people that we needed to do the instillation for the timelines we were pushing for,” said Holt. The lunch program was a key election promise made by Holt during the 2024 campaign. The program was supposed to begin inside all schools last fall. Instead, it was introduced as a pilot program in about two dozen schools. The lunch program splits costs between families and the provincial government. Meals for kindergarten to Grade 8 students cost $4 and lunches for Grade 9 to 12 students will cost $5. The government will cover the remaining costs. Families who need extra support can contact their schools to access a full subsidy. The province is spending $26 million on the school lunch program for this school year. “A nutritious school lunch does so much more than fill an empty stomach; it gives students the opportunity to sit down at school, feel included and be empowered to be the best version of themselves,” said Victoria McKenzie, co-chair of the Hanwell Park Academy parent school support committee, in the release. “A school lunch program that is accessible to all helps level the playing field for every child, regardless of their family’s circumstances, and gives them the nourishment and foundation they need to learn, grow and succeed.” Last fall the province launched a free breakfast program for students, which will return this school year. The government is spending $2 million annually on the program. With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Nick Moore For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
