Alberta becomes last province to join Ottawa's national school nutrition program

The Alberta and federal governments have ratified a $42-million agreement to expand meal programs for students. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, centre, helps pack lunches as part of the school food program as he visits Aylesbury Public School in Brampton, Ont., on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

EDMONTON — The Alberta and federal governments have ratified a $42-million agreement to expand meal programs for students.

Officials say the federal money will come over three years and supplements Alberta’s existing school nutrition program.

The federal government says the agreement means Alberta families with two children in school can save an estimated $800 a year on groceries.

Alberta is the last province in Canada to sign onto Ottawa’s national school food program, after Saskatchewan announced an agreement earlier in the day.

The three territories have also joined the program, which was first announced in April 2024.

Alberta’s recently introduced budget proposes an additional $20 million for the provincial school nutrition program.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2025.

The Canadian Press