Premier Wab Kinew Expands Universal School Nutrition Program to 150 Additional Schools

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning Nello Altomare announced on Monday a $30 million expansion of the Manitoba Universal School Nutrition Program, bringing healthy, universally accessible daily breakfast and lunch programs to 150 additional public schools across Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, and rural school divisions.

The expansion brings total program reach to more than 45,000 Manitoba students across 310 elementary and secondary schools, ensuring that no child sits in a classroom on an empty stomach regardless of household income.

Universal Access Without Stigma or Means-Testing Premier Kinew emphasized that school nutrition programs are structured universally across participating schools, eliminating income verification paperwork, cafeteria billing codes, and social stigma for vulnerable children.

"When kids are hungry, they cannot focus on math, reading, or science," Premier Kinew said at an elementary school in Winnipeg's North End. "Providing healthy, nutritious food in our schools is one of the best investments we can make in our children's future, their mental health, and their educational success. By expanding this program to 150 more schools, we are saving families hundreds of dollars on groceries every month and giving every child an equal opportunity to thrive."

Sourcing Local Manitoba Agricultural Products The school meal framework requires participating school boards and catering kitchens to prioritize locally grown Manitoba agricultural products, including fresh milk, whole-grain oats, eggs, beef, and seasonal vegetables from local family farms.

Education research cited by the province demonstrated that schools participating in the universal breakfast program reported a 32 percent decline in morning disciplinary referrals, an 18 percent increase in on-time attendance, and measurable improvements in standardized reading proficiency scores.

Teachers' society representatives, parent councils, and public health physicians commended the provincial investment, highlighting that universal school food programs deliver lifelong health, academic, and economic benefits for families across Manitoba.