Push is on for all kids in B.C. to get free, healthy lunches
CTV
Staff at George Jay Elementary school in Victoria were busy preparing a free, nutritious lunch on Tuesday for about 30 kids. It’s food for kids who otherwise might go without at lunch.
Staff at George Jay Elementary school in Victoria were busy preparing a free, nutritious lunch on Tuesday for about 30 kids. It’s food for kids who otherwise might go without at lunch.
The school’s principal, Sarah Winkler, says the lunches are an important part of the day for many children.
“Being able to provide a healthy lunch for as many kids as need it -- everyday -- just changes their outlook tremendously,” said Winkler Tuesday.
The meals are funded by the province -- with money set aside in this spring’s budget. It’s a program providing 214 million dollars over three years for school districts across B.C.
“It is first time ever in the history of British Columbia that we are investing this kind of money into a school meals program,” said B.C.’s Education Minister, Rachna Singh.
Green Party MLA for Saanich North Adam Olsen applauds the funding, but is pushing to expand it -- to include universal, free, nutritious lunches for all kids across the province
“By destigmatizing the environment, so kids are not being identified unnecessarily and everybody has a chance to learn,” said Olsen.
