The federal government is investing $7.4 million over the next three years to enhance and expand the NWT's Healthy Food for Learning program.
The program provides funding to NWT schools to help students who don't have enough to eat. The money coming from Ottawa will go toward new kitchen equipment, new staff dedicated to school food programs and improving the nutritional value of meal options.
Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland said this investment will have a real impact on NWT families.
"It means students can count on nutritious meals at school, helping them focus, learn and thrive," she said. "I look forward to seeing how each of our 49 schools tailor this program to best support their students and communities."
According to a news release issued March 6, the GNWT invests $650,000 annually in the Healthy Food for Learning program, which goes to all 49 schools in the territory, serving students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12. A news release about Ottawa's investment states that it will also provide better programming to 8,615 kids.
The $7.4 million is in addition to the territorial government's share, which brings the total combined investment amount to approximately $9.3 million over the next three years, according to the GNWT.
"Every kid in the Northwest Territories deserves the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom," said NWT MP Michael McLeod. "Through the National School Food Program, we are making sure students across the NWT have access to the healthy meals they need to learn, play and grow,"
