New Brunswick school children will have better access to healthy foods through an extended partnership with a Moncton food bank.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working with Food Depot Alimentaire to provide 42 more schools across the province with healthy foods.
Officials said it’s thanks to an additional investment of $2 million.
“We know students who find it difficult to learn on an empty stomach,” said Education Minister Bill Hogan in a news release.
“That is why we made a promise to ensure a food program is available in every school in New Brunswick.”
The province said Food Depot Alimentaire supported more than 90 food programs in New Brunswick schools during the 2022-23 year.
Stéphane Sirois, executive director of Food Depot Alimentaire, said there’s been a particular need for support in northern New Brunswick.
“Food banks and other logistical support partners in New Brunswick are again stepping up to ensure more students have access to healthy foods at school,” said Sirois.
The school contract with Food Depot Alimentaire is set to run until March 31, 2024, after which the province will make healthy foods available in schools until the end of the academic year.
Community partners continue to provide healthy food services to the remaining schools across the province.