Lunch program could have big impact on families [Video]

A healthy school environment is dependent on children having access to healthy food at school.

That’s according to Nourish Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization. Access to a healthy meal can also help in other ways.

“As a mom who gets up still most mornings and has to think about what is my kid taking to school for lunch today, it would be a huge gift to many parents, whether they are stretched for time or whether they are stretched for money to have their kids eating at school,” said Lisa Roberts, Nourish Nova Scotia executive director.

On Monday, the federal government announced a $1 billion national school food program. The funding will be included in the upcoming budget. Canada is the only G7 country without a program like this.

Nourish Nova Scotia has been calling for something like it for a long time.

Roberts says research shows a lunch program could reduce grocery budgets by …