A revitalized school food program is nourishing students in classrooms across British Columbia and the province’s local food economy.
The BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation's 'Fresh for Kids' is a new version of its long-standing School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program. With roots reaching back to 2004, the initiative continues to connect B.C. students with fresh, locally grown food while responding to shifts in provincial school food funding.
“This program is essential in ensuring that B.C. students continue to have access to fresh, local food, no matter where they go to school,” says Pat Tonn, the foundation's Executive Director. “With Fresh for Kids, we’re not only making sure children are well-fed with the highest-quality ingredients, but we’re also supporting B.C. farmers and keeping our local food systems strong.”
The rebranding comes in response to changes that now place food sourcing decisions in the hands of individual school districts. To help navigate this shift, Fresh for Kids offers the infrastructure, supplier relationships and logistical support needed to deliver fresh, high-quality food to schools across the province. This makes it easier for schools – especially those in smaller or rural communities – to provide nutritious food efficiently and affordably.
The foundation's strong relationships with local farmers, producers and distributors help participating schools maximize their purchasing power – something not easily done independently. The program also aligns with larger initiatives, including Feeding Futures, a provincial investment in school food programs and the federal National School Food Program.
“Children are fuelled by nutritious food and the new Fresh for Kids program can provide them with more options to enjoy healthy, locally sourced food from B.C. farmers and producers,” says Lana Popham, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. “As we continue to highlight the need to ‘Buy B.C.’ and move away from our reliance on U.S. imports, we will spotlight B.C. farmers, producers and processors in every way possible.”
Despite its benefits, not all of B.C.’s 60 school districts are currently participating in Fresh for Kids. To close this gap, the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign with an annual goal of $5 million.
A $10 donation can support one student for an entire year – donate online today!
To learn more, visit bcaitc.ca/fresh-kids.
