GUYSBOROUGH COUNTY — A provincial school lunch program is now aiming to reach every elementary, middle and junior high school in Nova Scotia, and local principals say the impact is already being felt in Guysborough County classrooms.
The program, which was launched in October 2024 and expanded this fall with new menu items and an updated ordering system, is designed to provide nutritious and affordable meals to students on a pay-what-you-can basis.
“This fall, the provincial School Lunch Program has been expanded to include elementary, middle and junior high schools with enhanced ordering and new menu options,” said Deanna Gillis, coordinator of communications for the SRCE, noting that 17 of its 20 schools – about 4,700 students – are now eligible to take part in the program. The remaining three schools are expected to be added in future years.
She also said that all schools in the region continue to provide students with universal breakfast programs and access to snacks throughout the day to support student well-being.
At St. Mary’s Education Centre/Academy in Sherbrooke, Principal Trevor MacIsaac said the rollout has been “highly positive.”
“The implementation of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program has been highly positive and the impact on families significant. We have seen a notable increase in both program participation and overall effectiveness,” he said. “Families have expressed greater comfort with the ordering process, thanks in large part to robust communication efforts provincially, regionally and at the school level … leading to improved engagement and satisfaction.”
MacIsaac added that the program complements existing supports such as the daily breakfast program and ensures every student has access to nutritious food. Staff also help families that may struggle with ordering online, ensuring the program remains accessible to all.
Principal Crystal Richards at Fanning Education Centre/Canso Academy said they have noted more children being fed throughout the day.
“Families who use the program have shared it is easy to order, and they were excited for students to try new foods,” she said. “Since the beginning of the program, we have noticed an increase in the number of high school students eating lunch. As well, we have noticed an increase in the number of elementary students taking part in the program.”
Richards noted that some menu items proved unpopular among younger students, but feedback has been passed along and new items have been added this year. She said staff have also helped families learn to use the new app feature and put processes in place to ensure no student goes without lunch if ordering is a challenge.
At Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy, Principal Barbara Avery echoed that the rollout has been a success.
“The goal of the lunch program is to make sure every student has access to a nutritious meal so they can learn and thrive. Research shows that students learn better when they are well nourished. With the ‘pay-what-you-can’ approach, the financial barrier of ordering a lunch is removed, and creates a supportive environment where all students have access to a nutritious lunch,” she said.
Avery acknowledged that meeting the wide range of student preferences and dietary needs remains a challenge but said feedback from last year has already led to improvements, including a greater variety of menu choices.
“We anticipate increased student participation in the program this year,” she said. “We will continue collaborating with the province to support the lunch initiative and enhance it by gathering feedback and sharing it with our regional centre and education and early childhood development.”
For Gillis, the expansion of the school lunch program is strengthening the supports schools already provide and making a difference for families.
“Ordering information and additional details were shared with families at eligible schools prior to the start of school,” she said in an email. “You can learn more about the School Lunch Program, view menu items and access information on ordering and the pay-what-you-can system at NSLunch.ca.”
As the program continues to grow, school leaders say they expect even greater participation and stronger engagement. This is one more step toward ensuring that no student in Guysborough County sits in class hungry.
