Manitoba second province to sign onto federal school food deal

The federal and Manitoba governments have signed a deal to expand food programs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government set aside $1 billion over five years in the last budget to expand access to such programs across the country after pressure from federal New Democrats.

Manitoba is to receive about $17.2 million over the next three years under the deal.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the agreement builds on the province’s nutrition program that was expanded last month.

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Manitoba’s NDP government earmarked $30 million in this year’s budget to provide public schools across the province and schools in communities with high socio-economic needs with funds to provide meal or snack options.

Manitoba is the second province to sign an agreement, after Newfoundland and Labrador did so last month.

3:49 Trudeau announces $1 billion investment in national school food program