As the federal government works to implement its long-awaited national school food program, families and educators in Peterborough are still waiting for answers. Ottawa has pledged $1 billion over five years to expand and improve school nutrition programs nationwide, and recently promised to make this initiative permanent. While this is a vital step toward ensuring every child has access to healthy food at school, there is still a lack of clarity about how and when this funding will reach students in Peterborough.

This lack of clarity is particularly concerning given the scope of the issue. Across Canada, more than 10 million people, including 2.5 million children, are food insecure, and one in five Canadian children struggles to meet basic food needs. Here in Peterborough, 16.5% of households are food insecure, and one in four families with children report not having enough to eat.

School nutrition programs play an important role in addressing the food insecurity crisis. While each school must organize, implement, and manage its own nutrition program, community partners like Food for Kids Peterborough help ensure that all children, regardless of income, can access nutritious food at school. Their universal model helps reduce stigma and supports children’s health, well-being, and learning, as children may arrive at school hungry for a variety of reasons.

However, these programs operate with minimal provincial support. The Ontario government currently provides just ten cents per student per day, far below the national average of thirty-nine cents. Schools are left to make up the difference through fundraising, which deepens inequality between high- and low-income communities. Programs in the greatest need end up with the fewest resources.

Food insecurity is not a charity issue; it’s a policy failure. While both levels of government have a responsibility in the current crisis, the Ontario government’s role is particularly concerning. Given the provincial government’s ongoing history of underfunding our essential services, like education and healthcare, as well as its recent scandal regarding the Skills Development Fund, serious questions need to be raised regarding their management of federal funding. When government mismanagement takes priority over meeting children’s basic needs, it’s clear where political will is lacking. 

However, our community can still take action. Food for Kids Peterborough needs our support. If you’re able, please consider donating to help local school nutrition programs by visiting canadahelps.org and directing your contribution to Food for Kids Peterborough. Every donation helps ensure that no child in our community has to learn on an empty stomach.

Food is a human right. Let’s make sure every child in Peterborough has what they need to grow, learn, and thrive.