Liberals finalize school food agreement in Newfoundland and Labrador

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a significant agreement to enhance school food programs in Newfoundland and Labrador, marking the province as the first to join the federal government's initiative for a national school food program. The deal allocates approximately $9.1 million over three years to expand access to nutritious food for students. This funding is part of a broader commitment by the federal government, which has earmarked $1 billion over five years to support school food initiatives across Canada, following pressure from the NDP for increased funding. The announcement coincided with the NDP's decision to withdraw from a supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals, which had allowed the New Democrats to support the government on critical votes in exchange for progress on shared priorities. The funding will enable the province to extend school food programs to an additional 4,100 children during the current school year, addressing food insecurity among students. While First Nations on reserve have already received funding for this school year, specific details regarding these allocations have not yet been disclosed. The federal government is actively negotiating with other provinces and territories to replicate this agreement, indicating a commitment to improving access to school food programs nationwide. Trudeau's recent meeting with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew suggests that further announcements regarding similar agreements with other provinces may be forthcoming in the near future, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to enhance food security for children across Canada.