By: Sarah Keyes, Ontario Chapter Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthy School Food
Photo caption (from left to right): Danielle Takacs, Senior Manager Policy and Advocacy, Heart and Stroke; MP Julie Dabrusin; Sarah Keyes, Ontario Coalition Chapter Coordinator; Heather Norris, President and CEO, Ottawa Network for Education; Stephanie Craze, Food & Logistics Program Manager, Ottawa Network for Education.
On November 2nd, MP Julie Dabrusin stood in the House of Commons to read the House of Commons e-petition that calls on the Government of Canada to invest in a national school food program in Budget 2024. The petition reads:
“We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to provide $1 billion over 5 years for school food with an immediate investment of $200 million in Budget 2024, an investment, negotiated with provinces, territories and Indigenous leaders, which will help children develop the food and nutrition habits they need to lead healthy lives and succeed at school.”
The Government has 45 days to respond to our request. We want to thank MP Dabrusin for her commitment to the development of a national school food program. Signed by nearly 2000 Canadians, the petition helps to highlight the urgent need for a federal investment in school food. We appreciate everyone who took the time to engage with this action.
It was great to have Coalition staff and members present for the reading (from 30:27 - 31:06) in the House of Commons on Thursday. As we continue to advocate for a National School Food Program, we are glad to see the growing support of our members. We would like to thank the Ottawa Network for Education and Heart and Stroke Foundation for their support. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who signed this petition.