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Government to provide free, nutritious breakfast to all New Brunswick students

UPPER MIRAMICHI (GNB) – All New Brunswick students will have access to healthy breakfast at school this year through a partnership with Feed NB (formerly Food Depot Alimentaire).

“We know that when students have a full belly, they can better focus on learning,” said Premier Susan Holt. “By giving students universal access to a school breakfast program, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to succeed while also helping to make life more affordable for New Brunswick families.”

According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in four New Brunswick children arrives at school hungry every day. Under this contract extension, the provincial and federal governments will invest $13 million to provide access to healthy breakfast foods to students in all schools across the province’s seven school districts.

In partnership with Feed NB, 136 schools across New Brunswick had access to healthy foods at the start of the school 2024-25 year.

“We are thrilled that, this year, all schools in New Brunswick will have access to breakfast, bringing in the 160 schools previously left out,” said Holt.

School breakfast will feature apples, milk, eggs, cheese, bread, cereal, bagels and other nutritious options, with ingredients sourced locally in New Brunswick, when possible, or from across Canada.

“This school breakfast program will mean more engaged students and better results overall,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “We are grateful to our partners at Feed NB, who are helping us deliver on our commitment to ensure all children in New Brunswick have access to a breakfast program at school.”

“Feed NB is thrilled to partner with the provincial government to make breakfast a reality for every student in the province,” said Stéphane Sirois, the organization’s executive director. “This is a big step towards our vision of a hunger-free New Brunswick.”

The government announced in February it had secured more than $11 million from the federal government’s National School Food Program to expand and enhance access to school food programs in New Brunswick.

“Investments like these ensure a healthy meal for children who don’t always have enough to eat at home,” said Anna Gainey, federal secretary of state for children and youth. “Canada’s government is committed to supporting families by helping kids access nourishing food at school which delivers better outcomes for everyone.”

Gainey commented for federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu.

The provincial government has committed to an additional annual investment of $2 million to help students access healthy foods at school.

More information about the school breakfast program is available online.

03-09-25

Welcome to a brand-new school year! We are so excited to see all of you. Whether you are just beginning your educational journey in kindergarten, stepping into your final year of high school, or anywhere in between.

This new year is full of possibilities. It’s a chance to learn new things, make new friends, and set new goals. Whether you’re exploring letters and numbers, diving into science labs, or preparing for college and careers, we believe in your potential and can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish.

Our schools are ready for you. With caring teachers, dedicated staff, and a strong community that is here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s make this year one to remember. Work hard, be kind, and never stop believing in yourself.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and inspiring school year!

HERON BAY (GNB) – The government is launching public consultations to guide development of its next education plans.

“As we turn the page on the current education plans, we’re excited to kick off a brand new chapter in New Brunswick education,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “But, as a first step, we need to hear from our most valued stakeholders: New Brunswickers.”

Consultations are expected to last throughout the fall and will include separate discussion papers and surveys for the anglophone and francophone sectors to reflect their unique realities and specific needs.

The new plans will be released next spring and will encompass the early learning and child-care sector, as well as the kindergarten-to-Grade 12 public school system.

“These new education plans will play significant roles in the direction of New Brunswick education for years to come, so it’s important we get them right, backed by proper research, feedback and insight,” said Johnson. “Education, at its core, is about collaboration – about dialogue – so it’s only natural that we get everyone in on this conversation. I encourage all New Brunswickers to participate and have a part in this important project.”

People are encouraged to review the discussion papers and complete surveys, join in-person consultations, or share their feedback through written correspondence or email. Materials for the anglophone and francophone sectors are available online.

The current 10-year plans, entitled Everyone at Their Best for the anglophone sector and Donnons à nos enfants une longueur d’avance for the francophone sector, were released in 2016.

Link to original news release can be found here