Students in all 372 public schools across the province will have access to healthy, affordable lunches beginning Tuesday, September 8, as the final phase of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program gets underway.
This year, the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program expands to all high schools. (Nova Scotia / File)
For the 2026-27 school year, the program will reach more than 133,000 students that attend public school in Nova Scotia. Most families and older students will be able to begin ordering lunches on Friday, August 28. The ordering window will remain open until noon on Wednesday, September 2, for lunches beginning September 8.
"Every student should have a healthy lunch at school without families feeling like another thing has been added to their very full plate," said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. "We are so proud to reach this important milestone and bring the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program to all schools in the province. This program makes life more affordable for families while ensuring students have the food they need to learn, grow and succeed."
Next week, high schools across Nova Scotia will be preparing to offer the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program for the first time. Student-tested menus will include existing favourites, along with new options like chicken Caesar wraps, chicken fried rice, ramen-style noodle bowls and salads. Portion sizes have also increased for older students.
Lunches can be ordered through the online ordering system by visiting www.NSLunch.ca. Parents and older students are encouraged to visit the website as soon as possible to set up their account and browse lunch options.
Quotes:
"By working together, we're making it easier for students in Nova Scotia to access nutritious meals at school and helping put money back in families' pockets. Through the National School Food Program, the Government of Canada is supporting the enhancement and expansion of Nova Scotia's school food program across the province. By investing in children and families, this is part of the plan to build a Canada strong for all." Lena Metlege Diab,
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and MP for Halifax West, on behalf of Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth
"This is about much more than lunch. It's about making sure students are well-nourished, ready to learn, and connected to their school community. By giving students another option during the lunch hour, we're creating more opportunities for belonging, engagement, and success both inside and outside the classroom."
Dunovan Kalberlah, principal, Bay View High School
Quick Facts:
- in the 2025-26 school year, the lunch program was available to more than 104,000 students across 334 schools
- the 2026-27 budget for school food is more than $100 million
- through the Government of Canada's National School Food Program, Nova Scotia is receiving about $12.4 million over three years to enhance and expand school food programs
- the Province's two-year action plan outlines how Nova Scotia is using Canada's National School Food Program funding to enhance and expand school food programming
Additional Resources:
- Nova Scotia School Lunch Program: https://nslunch.ca/
- Details on Nova Scotia's bilateral agreement and action plan can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/school-food/agreements/nova-scotia-2024.html
