As the sparkle of the festive season fades into memory, many families with young ones continue to grapple with the challenge of putting food on the table. A recent report rings the alarm on the all-time high levels of food insecurity, exacerbated by soaring housing costs that leave little wiggle room in the budget for proper nourishment. As the financial squeeze tightens, the call for immediate relief and lasting solutions grows more urgent by the day.

In the midst of this struggle, Canada is in dire need of a national school food program. Not only would it make meals more attainable, but it would also sow the seeds for a brighter future for the nation. While it may not entirely eradicate the issue of food insecurity, it would certainly alleviate the financial strain on families while also enhancing the health, education, and economic prospects of children.

According to a survey carried out by Employment and Social Development Canada, a staggering 96 per cent of people are in agreement on the beneficial impact of school food programs. The report underlines the vast potential benefits for all Canadian children in terms of access to wholesome and nourishing meals.

However, it’s not just about social welfare. A national school food program could also play a role in Ottawa’s economic recovery plan. Take a leaf from the US playbook, where similar initiatives have helped chip away at child poverty. The Liberal government in Canada has already pledged commitment to such a program, yet concrete actions are yet to materialize.

Yet, it’s not just about the provision of sustenance. By allocating $200 million towards school food in the 2024 budget, we could take the crucial first step in fulfilling the election promise of $1 billion over five years. This investment wouldn’t just assist families, but it would also establish a legacy of improved public health in the country.

Looking ahead, let’s consider the financial implications. In Manitoba, the new NDP government has vowed to fund a school nutrition program for all schools in the province at a cost of $30 million, with further details anticipated later this year. Could this serve as a blueprint for the rest of Canada?

The potential savings speak for themselves. The implementation of a nationwide program that covers breakfast and lunch could shave off up to £190 a month per child, adding up to roughly £3,780 in savings per school year for households with two children. This is not just a one-off respite like temporary financial interventions, but a long-term, strategic resolution.

Furthermore, a national program has the capacity to generate as many as 207,700 jobs. Similar initiatives in other countries have resulted in the creation of additional employment opportunities in agriculture, nutrition, and program administration, stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment rates.

Let’s not overlook the boon to our local farmers and suppliers. By embracing a “farm-to-school” program, we could bolster our local communities and engender a flourishing local economy. Just take a look across the pond in the US, where every pound spent on such programs generates double in local economic activity. In British Columbia, every pound spent on locally grown food in public institutions yields twice that amount for the economy.

However, it’s not simply a matter of economics. For parents, school-provided meals could serve as a lifeline, particularly for women who typically invest more time preparing food for school. A universal program could alleviate financial strain, save time, and provide peace of mind, potentially opening up more working opportunities for women, as evidenced in Sweden.

A national school food program represents a substantial return on investment. Evidence from high-income countries indicates that such programs result in improved human health and economic benefits. In Sweden, for instance, a nine-year initiative of universal free school lunch brought about substantial long-term benefits for children, positively impacting their economic, educational, and health outcomes.

This initiative stands as an investment in a prosperous and economically resilient Canada in the future. It’s not just about food; it’s about investing in the future of our nation.

The time for change is now. A national school food program isn’t just about feeding students; it’s about laying the foundation for a brighter, more resilient future for all Canadians. Let’s make it happen.