UW study finds only five per cent of Canadian students participate in school meal programs

A study led by the University of Waterloo has found that Canada provides less school meal programs to students then several other countries around the world.

The international study involved more than 10,000 children in six different countries, including the United States, Australia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. 

The research found that only five per cent of Canadian students participate in school food programs. Meanwhile, in the U.S. and Chile, about half of students receive a free meal while at school.

David Hammond is a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at Waterloo. In a release, he explained the benefits of these programs.

“Schools are important places to provide meals for children, especially among low-income students who may not have reliable access to healthy foods at home,” said Hammond. “Across all countries surveyed, we found that participating in a free school meal program was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake during school lunch. Children participating in school meal programs also reported eating less unhealthy food in the countries with the most comprehensive policies.”

Canada is the only G7 country without a national school meal program.

As a result, individual school boards and local organizations are responsible for providing meals to students. This strategy is less effective than having a national guideline, according to the report.

The study was authored by Hammond and doctoral student Karen Hock, and was published in the Journal of Nutrition.

You can learn more by clicking here.