Healthy, balanced meal options are being rolled out to schools across the province through the school lunch program.
"Every student in New Brunswick will have access to an affordable, healthy, balanced lunch at school," said Premier Susan Holt. "When kids have full bellies, they can focus on what matters: learning, growing and being kids. By implementing a school lunch program across the province, we are ensuring our students are starting the school year fed, supported and ready to learn."
The cost of meals will be shared between families and government. Meals cost $4 for students in kindergarten to Grade 8 and $5 for students in grades 9 to 12, with the government covering the remaining cost. Those who need additional support can contact their school to confidentially access a full subsidy. All meals are ordered online, helping ensure every student has the same experience regardless of what their family pays.
"By giving students access to healthy, low-cost lunch options at school, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to thrive while also making life more affordable for New Brunswick families," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. "I am beyond grateful for the hard work of our service providers, community partners and staff in schools, school districts and at the department who are helping us make good on our commitment to ensure all children in New Brunswick will have access to healthy food at school."
Lunch will be unique to each school, based on the menu options offered by the school's lunch provider. At least two meal options, including a vegetarian option, will be available each day in every school and all meals will comply with Policy 711: Healthier School Food Environment.
Lunch service is now underway at 241 schools - or 81 per cent of those in the province - and work is underway at the remaining 56 schools. The families at these schools have been notified and, wherever possible, contingencies are being put in place to make lunch available for the first few days of classes; many of the remaining schools are expected to have service by the end of next week.
Some of these situations require unique solutions due to last-minute equipment or renovation delays. Staff at the district and department levels have been working with providers to address challenges as they arise and ensure students are fed, supported and ready to learn. Lunch will be provided to students in need.
"When you undertake a project of this magnitude, unforeseen obstacles can arise," said Johnson. "School district and provincial staff are working hard to solve these problems to ensure full-scale lunch service can begin in the affected areas as soon as possible. We continue to be proud that all schools in New Brunswick will have free breakfast and affordable lunch this September."
"A nutritious school lunch does so much more than fill an empty stomach; it gives students the opportunity to sit down at school, feel included and be empowered to be the best version of themselves," said Victoria McKenzie, co-chair of the Hanwell Park Academy parent school support committee. "As a parent, I know how important it is for children to be able to focus on learning, playing and being part of their school community without wondering when they'll eat their next meal. A school lunch program that is accessible to all helps level the playing field for every child, regardless of their family's circumstances, and gives them the nourishment and foundation they need to learn, grow and succeed."
In addition to the school lunch program, all students will continue to have access to nutritious breakfast foods at school through the universal breakfast program.
"As an educator, parent and now grandparent, I know that children come to school every day in our province hungry, and I can say strongly that if you are hungry and your stomach aches, you cannot focus on learning," said former educator Pam Campbell. "Food is a basic human need. If we are to provide an opportunity for every child to learn, to do their best and to live their best life, we need to ensure that all children are fed."
The government is investing $26 million in the school lunch program for 2026-27. The universal breakfast program is made possible through a $2-million annual provincial investment, as well as more than $11 million over three years received from the federal government through the National School Food Program. Families who use these two programs are expected to save between $900 and $2,000 annually.
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