Affordable School Lunch Programs
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Office of the Premier
September 10, 2026
HANWELL (GNB) – Healthy, balanced meal options are being rolled out to schools across the province through the school lunch program.
"Every student in New Brunswick will have access to an affordable, healthy, balanced lunch at school,” said Premier Susan Holt. “When kids have full bellies, they can focus on what matters: learning, growing and being kids. By implementing a school lunch program across the province, we are ensuring our students are starting the school year fed, supported and ready to learn.”
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Office of the Premier
September 10, 2026
HANWELL (GNB) – Healthy, balanced meal options are being rolled out to schools across the province through the school lunch program.
"Every student in New Brunswick will have access to an affordable, healthy, balanced lunch at school,” said Premier Susan Holt. “When kids have full bellies, they can focus on what matters: learning, growing and being kids. By implementing a school lunch program across the province, we are ensuring our students are starting the school year fed, supported and ready to learn.”
The cost of meals will be shared between families and government. Meals cost $4 for students in kindergarten to Grade 8 and $5 for students in grades 9 to 12, with the government covering the remaining cost. Those who need additional support can contact their school to confidentially access a full subsidy. All meals are ordered online, helping ensure every student has the same experience regardless of what their family pays.
“By giving students access to healthy, low-cost lunch options at school, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to thrive while also making life more affordable for New Brunswick families,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “I am beyond grateful for the hard work of our service providers, community partners and staff in schools, school districts and at the department who are helping us make good on our commitment to ensure all children in New Brunswick will have access to healthy food at school.”
Lunch will be unique to each school, based on the menu options offered by the school's lunch provider. At least two meal options, including a vegetarian option, will be available each day in every school and all meals will comply with Policy 711: Healthier School Food Environment.
Lunch service is now underway at 241 schools – or 81 per cent of those in the province – and work is underway at the remaining 56 schools. The families at these schools have been notified and, wherever possible, contingencies are being put in place to make lunch available for the first few days of classes; many of the remaining schools are expected to have service by the end of next week.
Some of these situations require unique solutions due to last-minute equipment or renovation delays. Staff at the district and department levels have been working with providers to address challenges as they arise and ensure students are fed, supported and ready to learn. Lunch will be provided to students in need.
“When you undertake a project of this magnitude, unforeseen obstacles can arise," said Johnson. "School district and provincial staff are working hard to solve these problems to ensure full-scale lunch service can begin in the affected areas as soon as possible. We continue to be proud that all schools in New Brunswick will have free breakfast and affordable lunch this September.”
“A nutritious school lunch does so much more than fill an empty stomach; it gives students the opportunity to sit down at school, feel included and be empowered to be the best version of themselves,” said Victoria McKenzie, co-chair of the Hanwell Park Academy parent school support committee. “As a parent, I know how important it is for children to be able to focus on learning, playing and being part of their school community without wondering when they’ll eat their next meal. A school lunch program that is accessible to all helps level the playing field for every child, regardless of their family’s circumstances, and gives them the nourishment and foundation they need to learn, grow and succeed.”
In addition to the school lunch program, all students will continue to have access to nutritious breakfast foods at school through the universal breakfast program.
“As an educator, parent and now grandparent, I know that children come to school every day in our province hungry, and I can say strongly that if you are hungry and your stomach aches, you cannot focus on learning,” said former educator Pam Campbell. “Food is a basic human need. If we are to provide an opportunity for every child to learn, to do their best and to live their best life, we need to ensure that all children are fed.”
The government is investing $26 million in the school lunch program for 2026-27. The universal breakfast program is made possible through a $2-million annual provincial investment, as well as more than $11 million over three years received from the federal government through the National School Food Program. Families who use these two programs are expected to save between $900 and $2,000 annually.
“By giving students access to healthy, low-cost lunch options at school, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to thrive while also making life more affordable for New Brunswick families,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “I am beyond grateful for the hard work of our service providers, community partners and staff in schools, school districts and at the department who are helping us make good on our commitment to ensure all children in New Brunswick will have access to healthy food at school.”
Lunch will be unique to each school, based on the menu options offered by the school's lunch provider. At least two meal options, including a vegetarian option, will be available each day in every school and all meals will comply with Policy 711: Healthier School Food Environment.
Lunch service is now underway at 241 schools – or 81 per cent of those in the province – and work is underway at the remaining 56 schools. The families at these schools have been notified and, wherever possible, contingencies are being put in place to make lunch available for the first few days of classes; many of the remaining schools are expected to have service by the end of next week.
Some of these situations require unique solutions due to last-minute equipment or renovation delays. Staff at the district and department levels have been working with providers to address challenges as they arise and ensure students are fed, supported and ready to learn. Lunch will be provided to students in need.
“When you undertake a project of this magnitude, unforeseen obstacles can arise," said Johnson. "School district and provincial staff are working hard to solve these problems to ensure full-scale lunch service can begin in the affected areas as soon as possible. We continue to be proud that all schools in New Brunswick will have free breakfast and affordable lunch this September.”
“A nutritious school lunch does so much more than fill an empty stomach; it gives students the opportunity to sit down at school, feel included and be empowered to be the best version of themselves,” said Victoria McKenzie, co-chair of the Hanwell Park Academy parent school support committee. “As a parent, I know how important it is for children to be able to focus on learning, playing and being part of their school community without wondering when they’ll eat their next meal. A school lunch program that is accessible to all helps level the playing field for every child, regardless of their family’s circumstances, and gives them the nourishment and foundation they need to learn, grow and succeed.”
In addition to the school lunch program, all students will continue to have access to nutritious breakfast foods at school through the universal breakfast program.
“As an educator, parent and now grandparent, I know that children come to school every day in our province hungry, and I can say strongly that if you are hungry and your stomach aches, you cannot focus on learning,” said former educator Pam Campbell. “Food is a basic human need. If we are to provide an opportunity for every child to learn, to do their best and to live their best life, we need to ensure that all children are fed.”
The government is investing $26 million in the school lunch program for 2026-27. The universal breakfast program is made possible through a $2-million annual provincial investment, as well as more than $11 million over three years received from the federal government through the National School Food Program. Families who use these two programs are expected to save between $900 and $2,000 annually.
Provincial School Assessment Results from 2025-2026
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
September 08, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Provincial assessment results for the 2025-26 school year in both the anglophone and francophone education sectors have been compiled and released.
“We conduct annual assessments of students across the province to evaluate how the education system is working,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “Sharing our results ensures transparency and accountability and helps us pinpoint areas where we are performing well and areas where we need to improve.”
Key findings of the assessment results include:
Anglophone sector
Francophone sector
In the anglophone sector, students are assessed in grades 4-10 and there is also a French oral proficiency assessment in Grade 12. The francophone sector conducts assessments in grades 2-4, 6-8 and 10.
The provincial assessments conducted in the 2025-26 school year were the last to be administered under the education plans introduced in 2016. New education plans for the anglophone and francophone education sectors were released by the government in June.
“We are focused on improving student outcomes and strengthening basics like literacy, numeracy and student well-being,” said Johnson. “The new education plans for both sectors are geared towards improving results in literacy and numeracy. Today’s assessments show some stability but reinforce our focus on strong basics in the classroom and reducing distractions so kids can focus on learning.”
In addition to launching new education plans, the government has made investments and policy changes to help students acquire foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. These include:
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
September 08, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – Provincial assessment results for the 2025-26 school year in both the anglophone and francophone education sectors have been compiled and released.
“We conduct annual assessments of students across the province to evaluate how the education system is working,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson. “Sharing our results ensures transparency and accountability and helps us pinpoint areas where we are performing well and areas where we need to improve.”
Key findings of the assessment results include:
Anglophone sector
- Despite slight declines, elementary school assessment results remained stable overall.
- Middle school reading and math assessments remained stable, however there was a decline in Grade 8 science.
- Results of the Grade 9 English-language proficiency assessment were comparable to last year’s.
Francophone sector
- Elementary school reading and writing assessments remained relatively stable, although there was an improvement in Grade 4 writing and a decline in Grade 3 reading.
- There were declines in math assessments in grades 6 and 8, but results of the Grade 8 science assessment remained stable.
- Results of the reading and writing skills test and numeracy skills test administered in Grade 10 remained relatively stable compared to previous years.
In the anglophone sector, students are assessed in grades 4-10 and there is also a French oral proficiency assessment in Grade 12. The francophone sector conducts assessments in grades 2-4, 6-8 and 10.
The provincial assessments conducted in the 2025-26 school year were the last to be administered under the education plans introduced in 2016. New education plans for the anglophone and francophone education sectors were released by the government in June.
“We are focused on improving student outcomes and strengthening basics like literacy, numeracy and student well-being,” said Johnson. “The new education plans for both sectors are geared towards improving results in literacy and numeracy. Today’s assessments show some stability but reinforce our focus on strong basics in the classroom and reducing distractions so kids can focus on learning.”
In addition to launching new education plans, the government has made investments and policy changes to help students acquire foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. These include:
- An extra $19.3 million to hire more educational assistants in both sectors.
- $5.8 million for more academic support teachers, resource teachers and guidance counsellors.
- An increase of $7 million to deliver affordable school lunches to students across the province.
- A $2-million annual investment in the universal breakfast program.
- An update to Policy 311 (Responsible Use of Digital Technology) to promote distraction-free learning.
- Signed new agreements with the University of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University and Crandall University to strengthen teacher education programs for anglophone bachelor of education students.
Provincial Government Funding Finalized for 2029 Canada Summer Games
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
September 24, 2026
MONCTON (GNB) – The government has finalized a funding agreement with the Canada Games Host Society for the 2029 Canada Summer Games being held in Moncton and the Saint John region.
The total of $11.85 million includes $8.85 million in operational funding and $3 million in capital funding.
“We are honoured to be given this opportunity to showcase New Brunswick on a national platform,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault. “Not only does this investment reflect our government’s commitment to advancing sport development, but it also creates lasting social and economic benefits for the province.”
Operational funding will support key aspects of Games planning and delivery, such as staffing, security, medical services, transportation and logistics, venue and competition operations, volunteer support, ceremonies and translation services. Distribution of operational funding is as follows:
Capital funding will be provided to the 2029 Canada Games Host Society to support upgrades to facilities and infrastructure. Distribution of capital funding is as follows:
The government has been working with a board of directors created to oversee governance and strategic direction for the Games.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of an experience that will inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders while also boosting the love of sports across the province,” said Tracy Clinch, CEO of the 2029 Canada Games Host Society. “Hosting the Games in New Brunswick will help improve the sport system and team performance through the promotion of a positive sports culture.”
The Games are projected to boost the New Brunswick economy by $200 million, with $5.7 million of that coming from tax revenue.
“The Canada Games have consistently proven to be a significant economic driver for host communities and provinces,” said Thériault. “Most recently, the 2025 Canada Summer Games generated approximately $193 million in economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating the significant economic benefits that hosting the Games can bring.”
The Canada Games are a multi-sport event featuring participants from every province and territory. Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Games bring together about 4,600 athletes, coaches and managers to compete at the highest level in amateur sport. The 2027 Canada Winter Games will be hosted by Quebec City.
Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture
September 24, 2026
MONCTON (GNB) – The government has finalized a funding agreement with the Canada Games Host Society for the 2029 Canada Summer Games being held in Moncton and the Saint John region.
The total of $11.85 million includes $8.85 million in operational funding and $3 million in capital funding.
“We are honoured to be given this opportunity to showcase New Brunswick on a national platform,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault. “Not only does this investment reflect our government’s commitment to advancing sport development, but it also creates lasting social and economic benefits for the province.”
Operational funding will support key aspects of Games planning and delivery, such as staffing, security, medical services, transportation and logistics, venue and competition operations, volunteer support, ceremonies and translation services. Distribution of operational funding is as follows:
- 2025-26: $2.97 million
- 2026-27: $1.47 million
- 2027-28: $1.47 million
- 2028-29: $1.47 million
- 2029-30: $1.47 million
Capital funding will be provided to the 2029 Canada Games Host Society to support upgrades to facilities and infrastructure. Distribution of capital funding is as follows:
- 2025-26: $1.5 million
- 2026-27: $1.5 million
The government has been working with a board of directors created to oversee governance and strategic direction for the Games.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of an experience that will inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders while also boosting the love of sports across the province,” said Tracy Clinch, CEO of the 2029 Canada Games Host Society. “Hosting the Games in New Brunswick will help improve the sport system and team performance through the promotion of a positive sports culture.”
The Games are projected to boost the New Brunswick economy by $200 million, with $5.7 million of that coming from tax revenue.
“The Canada Games have consistently proven to be a significant economic driver for host communities and provinces,” said Thériault. “Most recently, the 2025 Canada Summer Games generated approximately $193 million in economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating the significant economic benefits that hosting the Games can bring.”
The Canada Games are a multi-sport event featuring participants from every province and territory. Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Games bring together about 4,600 athletes, coaches and managers to compete at the highest level in amateur sport. The 2027 Canada Winter Games will be hosted by Quebec City.
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