Canada is the only G8 country without a national program
OTTAWA, Aug. 27, 2013 /CNW/ – All schools in all provinces and territories should provide meal programs to help their students alleviate hunger and poor nutrition and to support their performance at school, The Conference Board of Canada recommends in a new report from its Centre for Food in Canada.
Children and youth are over-represented among the almost two million individuals in Canada that suffer from “food insecurity” – a situation in which nutritious food is sometimes or always unavailable or unaffordable.
“As students head back to school this fall, only some will have the benefit of good meal programs operating across the country. Canada is the only G8 country without a national school-based feeding program,” said Alison Howard, Principal Research Associate, and co-author of Enough for All: Household Food Security in Canada.
“Children that lack proper diets are less able to concentrate and perform well at school, which makes it more difficult to learn the skills they will need as adults. Ensuring that all children and youth have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious foods for their everyday activities are critical for a vulnerable population.”
Access the full report here: Enough for All: Household Food Security in Canada (PDF).