Re: Federal Budget 2024

We are particularly concerned as there was no mention of this in last year’s budget, which we found disheartening since a National School Food Program was initially introduced as part of Budget 2019, and then reaffirmed in the 2022 Budget’s reference to mandate letters for the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. [...] We know that all the provinces and territories are ready to work out agreements with the federal government on a cost-shared National School Food Program delivered to students by school boards. [...] Our association recently adopted resolution AGM-23-06 BE IT RESOLVED that the Saskatchewan School Board Association advocate provincially and nationally with the Canadian School Boards Association for the development of a healthy, universal, cost-shared school food program funded by the federal and provincial governments in consultation with all school boards. [...] A national school food policy and program would also help ensure that all children have the nourishment they need to learn and grow and improve their health and well-being. [...] On behalf of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, we look forward to the inclusion of dedicated funding to support a National School Food Program in Budget 2024.