School food programs make life easier. They provide healthy meals to kids throughout the school year. They save working families hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. They also support local economies, farmers and producers by sourcing food grown locally, whenever possible.
 
Today, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Lisa Beare, British Columbia’s Minister of Education and Child Care, announced an agreement that will enable British Columbia to enhance school food programs for 90,000 kids in just over 1,000 schools across the province this school year. With this agreement, families in British Columbia with two children in school can save an estimated $800 in grocery bills a year on average.

In addition to Minister Sudds and Minister Beare speaking at the announcement, David Thompson students Jasmine and Kayley served as the MCs. Additionally VSB Board Chair Jung and Principal Nick Ante Akrap of David Thompson joined in at the podium also.

“I have seen first-hand the difference that food security makes for young people,” said Chair Jung. “It nourishes their mind and body, which benefits their academic, social, emotional and behavioural performance at school.”

VSB will be receiving a portion of the funding from the Nation Food School Program announcement. Chair Yung adds “This announcement is a meaningful step towards reaching VSB’s vision for food programs. We want every student to have access to nourishing food at school.”

“Food literacy is a lifelong skill that will continue to benefit students long after graduation,” says Principal Akrap. “As a principal, it is always my goal to foster the long-term success and well-being of all students. This funding is a positive step towards making that goal a reality.  For that, I give you a heartfelt thank you”

 For more information about the National Foods Program, visit here.