Nova Scotias Pay-What-You-can-lunch program is expanding
Thousands more Students have access to lunches at schools in Nova Scotia
This fall, the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program has been extended to reach thousands more students in the province. The program now includes all basic, middle, and junior high schools, providing easier ordering and new menu options for approximately 104,000 children in 334 schools. This expansion marks a significant increase from the initial year, which served more than 75,000 students.
Expanding Access to Nutritious Meals
“We are expanding the lunch program to the junior high level because we know that children learn better when they are not hungry,” stated Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, during an interview on The Todd Veinotte Show. The province has invested around $80 million in the program this year, emphasizing the educational and social impact on students.
New Menu Options
The 2025 menu features child-friendly options such as chicken nuggets with wedges and mac and cheese, which were developed based on feedback from children-led focus groups held over the summer. Last year, the program faced criticism for not accommodating dietary restrictions, prompting the government to revamp the menu to ensure that meals are fresh and appealing to students.
Ordering and Payment Process
Families can order lunches by selecting their school and confirming the student’s name. Lunch dates begin on September 8 or 15, depending on the school, with orders now being accepted. While the program is not free, it offers flexible payment options, including $6.50 per meal, partial payment, or no payment for families in need.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Nova Scotia has the second-highest percentage of children under 18 living in food-insecure households in Canada, according to data from the federal government and Feed Nova Scotia. The School Lunch Program aims to provide access to nutritious meals for students who may struggle to afford food at home.
Overall, the expansion of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program demonstrates the province’s commitment to supporting student well-being and academic success through access to healthy and hot meals at school.
