Alberta’s government, in partnership with the Government of Canada, is expanding the provincial school food program to ensure no child goes to school hungry. This growing program is helping more students access healthy, nutritious meals so they can arrive in the classroom focused, engaged and ready to learn.

With action plans now in place for Years 2 and 3 of the agreement, Alberta is building on this progress by increasing access to school nutrition programs across the province. Through an almost $43-million federal-provincial partnership, more than $17.4 million in 2025-26 and over $17.6 million in 2026–27 will support schools in strengthening and expanding these programs – helping reach more students and communities in need.

“No child should have to try to learn on an empty stomach. This investment, alongside federal funding, will help ensure more students across Alberta are nourished, supported and ready to succeed in the classroom.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

Money from the federal-provincial program complements the $20 million that Alberta’s government provides annually through Alberta’s School Nutrition Program. This program currently helps 58,000 students in participating schools get a daily nutritious meal, so they can focus on learning and not hunger.

“In partnership with the Government of Alberta, Canada’s National School Food Program is expanding access to nutritious food for students across the province, helping children succeed in the classroom and easing costs for families. Through investments that build on Alberta’s School Nutrition Program, we are making sure more students have the healthy food they need to learn, grow and thrive.”

Anna Gainey, Secretary of State, Children and Youth

School boards and eligible public charter schools can use this funding to cover essential costs, including food, staffing and program administration – ensuring more students can start their school day nourished and ready to learn.

“When students have nutritious food, they learn better. These school grants provide schools an opportunity to teach students about what makes a nutritious meal and helps create lifelong healthy eating habits.”

Chris Andrew, chair, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools

Nonprofit organizations also play an important role in providing students with nutritious meals. Alberta’s government is providing a total of $500,000 through the Innovation and Best Practices in School Nutrition grant to Apple Schools, Farm to Cafeteria Canada and Breakfast Club of Canada. These non-profit organizations will identify successful approaches being undertaken in school nutrition programs across Alberta and share their findings with school boards in the 2026-27 school year.

Quick facts

  • In March 2025, Alberta’s government ratified the Canada-Alberta National School Food Program Agreement – 2024 to 2027 and Year 1 action plan.
  • Almost $43 million has been secured under the three-year agreement, with more than $35 million to be distributed to school jurisdictions in 2025-26 and 2026-27.
  • Alberta’s government is collecting data from school boards to measure the direct impact of federal funding. The next report, including details on the number of students participating in school food programs, is due by Jan. 31, 2027.

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