Latest news with #NationalSchoolFoodProgram
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Breakfast Club of Canada President and CEO Tommy Kulczyk Announces Upcoming Retirement after Six Years of Transformative Leadership Helping Children
BOUCHERVILLE, QC, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - After six years of dedicated and impactful leadership, Tommy Kulczyk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Breakfast Club of Canada, has announced his decision to retire at the end of 2025, marking the conclusion of a remarkable tenure characterized by significant service and impact. Under Mr. Kulczyk's guidance, the organization experienced significant growth and transformation, addressing increased food insecurity and challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership focused on expanding the organization, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring children receive nutritious breakfasts to enhance their readiness to learn. As President and CEO, Mr. Kulczyk expanded Breakfast Club of Canada's reach nationwide by collaborating with corporate partners and significantly increasing the number of children accessing nutritious breakfasts. His strategic approach strengthened community relationships, improved program efficiency, and laid a solid foundation for ongoing success. Mr. Kulczyk's major achievements include laying the groundwork for Canada's National School Food Program, announced in 2024, and expanding the Club's reach from 243,000 children nationwide to over 655,000 today. "Serving as President and CEO of Breakfast Club of Canada has been an immense privilege," said Mr. Kulczyk. "I am grateful to our dedicated team, volunteers, Board members and community partners for their unwavering support, as well as to our donors and government funders, whose contributions are essential to the pursuit of our important mission." The Club's Board of Directors has formed a committee tasked with overseeing the search for Mr. Kulczyk's successor. To ensure a thorough and comprehensive process, they have enlisted the expertise of Premium ressources humaines, a highly regarded executive search firm, to assist in identifying the ideal candidate. "Tommy Kulczyk's passion and vision as a steadfast advocate for equitable food access have significantly enhanced Breakfast Club of Canada," stated Jacques Mignault, Chair of the Board of Directors. "His leadership has strengthened our organization and positioned us for the future. We sincerely thank Tommy and intend to build upon his legacy." Breakfast Club of Canada remains committed to nurturing children's potential by ensuring they start their school day with access to a nutritious breakfast in a safe and supportive environment. The organization can count on the entire management team to support and facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring that operations continue seamlessly during this period. About Breakfast Club of Canada Since 1994, Breakfast Club of Canada has been working with partners from all sectors to help children access a nutritious breakfast and reach their full potential. Accredited by Imagine Canada for its effective governance and recognized for its promotion of local food products across Canada, the Club helps reach children in every province and territory. To learn more, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Meals for P.E.I. students increased by nearly 300K from 2022 to 2023
P.E.I. students received more than 800,000 meals in 2023. (Source: Government of Prince Edward Island) In 2023, Prince Edward Island students received more than 800,000 meals through a school food program, representing a spike of nearly 300,000 from the previous year. The Government of P.E.I. says the number of student meals rose by close to 290,000 from 2022 to 2023. The program, which is the only provincewide school food initiative in Canada, is bolstered by $7.1 million across three years from the National School Food Program. 'Participation in food-related programs has continued to grow since 2023, and government has continued to increase budgets to meet those demands,' said Adina Naul, chair of P.E.I.'s Poverty Elimination Council, in a news release. P.E.I. also says it is now spending $8.7 million on food insecurity programs this fiscal year, with $2.5 million coming from the federal government. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the government spent $4.6 million on those programs. P.E.I., citing data from Statistics Canada, says the food insecurity rate dropped from 28.6 per cent in 2022 to 24.6 per cent in 2023, the lowest rate in Atlantic Canada. The province's news release did not have the food insecurity rate for 2024. The Statistics Canada data does not reflect inflation over the past two years or the recent impacts of tariffs. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Canada Standard
10-06-2025
- Health
- Canada Standard
The food affordability crisis is one reason governments need to step up for school food
Despite the hard work and dedication of hundreds of local grassroots organizations across the country to deliver student nutrition programs, there are, too often, not enough funds to purchase the food to meet student needs. As described in a study of elementary school parents' and teachers' perspectives on school food in southern Ontario, in the city of Hamilton and Peel Region, far too many school food programs cannot adequately meet existing nutritional needs of hungry students. Some teachers described how students, as young as four years old, come to school without enough nutritious food to fuel them through the day. As a researcher who examines biological and cultural determinants of human nutrition and food security, I conducted this study with academic colleagues in partnership with the Coalition for Healthy School Food. Fortunately, in 2024 the government of Canada announced a new National School Food Program and policy. As of March 10, 2025, the federal government has made school food agreements with all provinces and territories. This is an opportunity to reinvent school food across Canada and to catch up to other G7 countries that have long-running traditions of school food programs. In our study we asked parents through an online survey and focus group discussions in Hamilton and Peel Region to tell us what they envision for a future national school food program. Eighty-three per cent of the respondents were women; respondents self-identfied as South Asian (eight per cent), Black (five per cent), Indigenous (four per cent), Middle Eastern (four per cent), Southeast Asian (three per cent), Latino (three per cent), East Asian (three per cent) and white (70 per cent). Forty-three per cent of households were classified as experiencing some level of food insecurity, with 41 per cent having an annual household income of less than $69,999. Ninety-six per cent of survey respondents said they want their child to participate in a school food program, and 77 per cent said they would be willing to pay some amount for it. In parent focus groups, and teacher interviews, participants cited such benefits as: Participants saw affordability as one of the major barriers to an accessible program. Suggestions for funding models ranged from universal free programs to government-funded programs subsidized by optional parent contributions, and corporate donor funding. Read more: School gardens and kitchens could grow with Ontario's proposed food literacy act Most parents and teachers were adamant that programs be universally accessible with nutritious and diverse food options for all students regardless of ability to pay. Federal funding of $79 million flowed to the provinces and programs in the first year of the government's National School Food Program, but those funds were quickly used up. As noted by the Coalition for Healthy School Food, not all provinces are contributing in the same way towards school food programs to date. In Saskatchewan and Ontario, school food is severely underfunded relative to other provinces and territories. Saskatchewan and Ontario's per capita investments are four times lower than the national median of 63 cents per student per day: Nova Scotia contributes $3.30 whereas Saskatchewan and Ontario are at the bottom of the pack at three and nine cents per student per day respectively. That's based on an annual average of 190 school days per year across Canada. Without significant funding increases from those provincial governments, none of the hopes and dreams for a National School Food Program in Saskatchewan and Ontario will come to fruition. While the need for more funding is paramount, there are also logistical issues to tackle. Without commercial-grade kitchens in elementary schools, some survey respondents suggested centralized food preparation models by upgrading existing neighbourhood or high school infrastructure, from which meals could be distributed to local schools. Read more: What needs to happen next for Canada to have a successful school food program Others were in favour of contracting local food businesses as providers. A few parents raised the concern that school boards might contract large food conglomerates, resulting in a situation where corporate profit compromises food quality. Teachers voiced the need for adequate staffing and volunteer support so as not to unduly burden school staff. Some parents and teachers felt strongly about minimizing packaging waste. As one teacher stated: "I would be concerned about the environmental impact, going from trying to conserve and be mindful of what we use, like reusable containers, to a disposable model ... I think it would send a poor message to kids who we're asking to protect their environment." The topic of how much time students have to eat arose frequently in discussions. In Ontario, many schools at the elementary level adhere to a two-break or balanced day model, where students have a "nutrition break" in the morning with recess, and another in early afternoon (instead of two short recesses and a mid-day window for lunch/recess). This may be a reason why parents and some teachers say that kids don't have enough time to eat. In addition to logistical operations and accessibility, parents and teachers voiced the need to consider social and cultural diversity and inclusion. They noted the diversity of student dietary requirements and preferences - from food allergies/intolerances and cultural and religious foods to concerns about what respondents referred to as their "picky eaters." Teachers pointed out that halal and/or vegetarian foods must be made available. The oversight of food safety and offering a diversity of healthy food choices was mentioned repeatedly by parents. Meals and ingredients could be posted in weekly or monthly menus - like they are in in France, for example - to ensure students and their families are aware of what is being served. There was enthusiasm for exposing kids to culturally diverse menu options that would make students from all backgrounds feel included and welcome. While some parents were concerned that their kids might not eat foods they're unfamiliar with, others thought it would be great to expose them to new foods that they might eat at school even if they wouldn't at home. Some parents were excited about the prospect of community involvement, including volunteers but also students in food prep, distribution and cleanup. Beyond the school community, some proposed fostering partnerships with local farms, community gardens and local food providers. In sum, participants voiced the need for flexible programs that could be tailored to specific school, family and community needs - with clear communication with all families and school staff about the school food programs' goals and operations. We have a tremendous need and opportunity in Canada to strengthen our food system and food security with the National School Food Program. We have just begun this project with the commitment of some federal, provincial and municipal funding, but there is much more work to do in developing school food programs in each part of the country. The continued food affordability crisis and the threat of tariffs by the United States make it clear how important these programs are. No matter how these programs end up evolving, parents and teachers in Hamilton and Peel Region have clearly voiced their desire for equity - school food program accessibility, regardless of family income. They also want to see food offerings meeting students' diverse dietary requirements, and the inclusion of student, family, educator and local community partners.
The Province
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Province
Vancouver city councillors look to reinstate funding for school meal programs
The city's funding of school meal programs is a small investment for a big reward, says councillor who wants the funding reinstated after cuts 'We would like to reinstate the funding so kids don't go hungry,' said Vancouver city councillor Pete Fry. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG Councillors Peter Fry and Rebecca Bligh have introduced a motion asking the City of Vancouver to reinstate its funding for meal programs in the school district. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Since 2014, the city has provided $320,000 from its annual operating budget to support 3,500 meals each weekday through various programs, including the Food4Schools lunch program, which subsidizes meals to 258 students across 17 schools. Earlier this month, the city announced a reduction in its funding from $320,000 in 2024 to just $162,500 in 2025, citing 'significant budget pressures' and anticipation of 'substantive funding' from the province. However, Fry said, 'It has become apparent that the province is not providing the level of funding that was expected.' In March 2025, the B.C. Government entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada through the National School Food Program (NSFP), which provides approximately $39 million over three years in additional school food program funding. But Fry and Bligh are concerned that the way the province is allocating the money will leave gaps impacting kids in Vancouver. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'There was an expectation that this new funding from the feds was to be distributed by the province and replace the funding the city of Vancouver was providing, but the province had a different funding model in mind.' Fry said that the funding will be allocated using a provincial formula socioeconomic status index for each school within the district. The 'needs assessment' model 'can inadvertently exclude some individuals who may not meet strict eligibility criteria but still experience food insecurity,' said Fry. Shortly after the city announced their cuts to the Vancouver School District meals programs, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and Nicola Wealth announced a joint donation of $170,000 to make up the shortfall and support the continuation of the Food4Schools program. 'We are very grateful that Nicola Wealth and the Food Bank are doing this,' said Fry, but he said it's important to ensure the city's funding is reinstated, and continues on a long-term basis. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A meal program for Vancouver students that had lost more than half of its city funding will receive a massive one-time donation to ensure students facing food insecurity will continue to be fed. From left to right, John Nicola of Nicola Wealth, CEO David Long of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Vancouver School Board Trustee Victoria Jung, and Vancouver City Coun. Rebecca Bligh post for a photo at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) in Vancouver, B.C., April 16, 2025. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG 'We would like to reinstate the funding so kids don't go hungry,' said Fry. 'I see a lot of hungry kids in my neighbourhood Strathcona, and that contributes to kids struggling in school. It's about concentration and focus on schoolwork, and when you are hungry, it's a lot harder.' According to the 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey, only 22.1 per cent of youth ages 12 to 17 report consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. While it is not normally the responsibility of municipal governments to fund school lunch programs, Fry believes it's important to keep what was already in place to ensure no child is left hungry. 'We want to position young Vancouverites to do the best they possibly can, and improve their lives and living as best as we can. In the grand scheme of things it's a relatively small investment for the City,' said Fry. The motion goes to council on May 7. dryan@ — With Vancouver Sun files Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News Vancouver Whitecaps News
Vancouver Sun
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver city councillors look to reinstate funding for school meal programs
Article content Councillors Peter Fry and Rebecca Bligh have introduced a motion asking the City of Vancouver to reinstate its funding for meal programs in the school district. Article content Article content Since 2014, the city has provided $320,000 from its annual operating budget to support 3,500 meals each weekday through various programs, including the Food4Schools lunch program, which subsidizes meals to 258 students across 17 schools. Article content Article content Earlier this month, the city announced a reduction in its funding from $320,000 in 2024 to just $162,500 in 2025, citing 'significant budget pressures' and anticipation of 'substantive funding' from the province. Article content Article content However, Fry said, 'It has become apparent that the province is not providing the level of funding that was expected.' Article content In March 2025, the B.C. Government entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada through the National School Food Program (NSFP), which provides approximately $39 million over three years in additional school food program funding. But Fry and Bligh are concerned that the way the province is allocating the money will leave gaps impacting kids in Vancouver. Article content 'There was an expectation that this new funding from the feds was to be distributed by the province and replace the funding the city of Vancouver was providing, but the province had a different funding model in mind.' Article content Fry said that the funding will be allocated using a provincial formula socioeconomic status index for each school within the district. Article content Article content The 'needs assessment' model 'can inadvertently exclude some individuals who may not meet strict eligibility criteria but still experience food insecurity,' said Fry. Article content Article content Shortly after the city announced their cuts to the Vancouver School District meals programs, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and Nicola Wealth announced a joint donation of $170,000 to make up the shortfall and support the continuation of the Food4Schools program. Article content 'We are very grateful that Nicola Wealth and the Food Bank are doing this,' said Fry, but he said it's important to ensure the city's funding is reinstated, and continues on a long-term basis. Article content Article content 'We would like to reinstate the funding so kids don't go hungry,' said Fry. 'I see a lot of hungry kids in my neighbourhood Strathcona, and that contributes to kids struggling in school. It's about concentration and focus on schoolwork, and when you are hungry, it's a lot harder.'
