By: Crystal Keyamo
Green Party leader David Coon has announced a comprehensive plan to introduce a Universal School Food Program in New Brunswick. This initiative, a key element of the Green Party’s manifesto, aims to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the province, addressing the critical issue of food insecurity among children.
At a press conference in Fredericton, Coon highlighted the significant levels of food insecurity affecting children in New Brunswick. According to recent data from Proof, a research team focused on food insecurity in Canada, 22.8% of children in the province experience moderate food insecurity, the second-highest rate in the country.
“Ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals is essential for their academic performance and overall health,” Coon stated. He noted that many teachers currently spend their own money to provide food for students, underscoring the need for a systemic solution.
The proposed Universal School Food Program would be financed through a combination of federal and provincial resources. Coon estimated the program’s annual cost at approximately $50 million, with around $4 million expected from federal funding. This federal contribution would be negotiated on a per-capita basis for the province.
Coon also proposed reallocating funds currently used for subsidies to large forestry corporations. He suggested cutting the $20 million annual subsidies provided to the forestry industry for herbicide spraying and tree planting, redirecting these funds to support the school food program.
A significant aspect of the Green Party’s plan is the emphasis on incorporating locally produced food into school meals. This initiative aims to provide fresher, healthier meals for students while supporting local farmers and the provincial economy.
The announcement comes amid an election campaign where other parties have also made promises related to school food programs. The Liberal Party has pledged to spend $27.4 million annually on their own free school breakfast program. In contrast, the Progressive Conservative (PC) government spent $2 million last year to make fresh food available to 45,000 students in 135 schools. Coon described this measure as insufficient to meet the needs of all students in the province.
Editor: Bradley Garlie
