National school food program won’t solve food insecurity for families. Here’s what can. – Policy Options
May 7, 2024
The 2024 federal budget announcement of $1 billion over five years to establish a national school food program fulfils the Liberal Party’s 2021 election commitments and answers the many calls for Ottawa to support school breakfasts and lunches.
However, the budget lacked any action on the Canada child benefit (CCB) – the policy best positioned to move the needle on food insecurity among families with children.
With new data showing 2.1 million children living in a food-insecure household in 2023, it is unconscionable that the federal government has chosen to do nothing to make the child benefit a stronger safety net. The government should review the current design of the CCB and find ways to better support children and families in need.
Read More: https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/may-2024/child-food-insecurity/
