Education minister lauds first year of school lunch program but tweaks are likely

The Nova Scotia Education Department has implemented a new school lunch program, serving over two million meals since its launch early in the school year. Education Minister Brendan Maguire expressed satisfaction with the program’s first year, despite some issues that may need adjusting.

The program operates in 250 elementary schools, allowing families to order meals in two-week blocks with the option to pay what they can afford, including the option to pay nothing. The government allocated $18.8 million for the initial year, with plans to increase funding to $61.2 million by 2025-26 to expand the program to all junior high and middle schools.

While some concerns have been raised about the program, including menu options and meal quality, Maguire stated that adjustments will be made based on feedback for the upcoming school year. He personally enjoyed meals like bean burritos, pizza, and butter chicken, although he acknowledged that taste preferences vary among students.

Interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette expressed support for the lunch program, emphasizing its importance for many students. He urged officials to track food waste to improve food selections and increase student consumption.

NDP MLA Susan Leblanc praised the program’s concept but highlighted the need for improvements, particularly in reducing food waste and optimizing menus to benefit students. Both Mombourquette and Leblanc emphasized the program’s positive impact on students despite its initial challenges.

In conclusion, while the school lunch program has had a successful first year, there is room for improvement to ensure that it continues to benefit students as it expands to more schools. By addressing issues such as food waste tracking and menu adjustments, the program can better serve the needs of students across the province.