Olivia Chow has proposed implementing a citywide universal student nutrition program if re-elected as mayor, a move that her main competitor argues lacks funding and requires collaboration beyond Toronto’s capacity.
Chow unveiled her pledge to enhance the existing school food program by extending it to include lunch, serving approximately 330,000 students daily, with a current annual city investment of $32 million. The initiative is positioned as a significant affordability strategy, potentially saving an average family $1,800 annually. However, specific cost projections for the expansion remain undisclosed, with the implementation scheduled to be phased in by 2030 in partnership with other governmental levels and private donors.
During a recent debate in Scarborough, Chow emphasized the importance of addressing hunger in schools to enhance student focus and alleviate financial burdens on families.
Her main rival, Coun. Brad Bradford, expressed support for the concept but raised concerns over the lack of clarity regarding funding sources for the proposed program, highlighting the absence of national or provincial backing. Chow countered by asserting her ability to engage other government entities in support of the initiative.
Presently, Toronto’s student food program receives funding from federal, provincial, and municipal sources, with the city being the primary contributor. Recent data indicates federal and provincial allocations for school food programs totaling $13.2 million, with the city increasing its funding to $32 million in the 2026 budget.
While federal and provincial commitments to expanding Toronto’s program remain uncertain, recent federal initiatives have earmarked significant funding for national school food programs. The provincial government also increased its 2025 spending on student nutrition programs.
Notably, research suggests the effectiveness of school food programs in improving overall diet quality and aiding student learning, according to Jason Gilliland, Director of the Human Environments Analysis Lab at Western University. However, the current approach to student nutrition in Canada is described as fragmented.
The Toronto city council approved the expansion of the school food program in 2024, aiming to transition to a universal lunch program by 2030, despite some dissenting voices questioning the city’s role in providing such services.
Advocates argue that universal programs eliminate barriers to participation, emphasizing the need for a pilot approach that respects family choices and learns from participant feedback.
Sahar Raza, Vice President of Research and Advocacy at the Daily Bread Food Bank, highlights the increasing demand for food support, particularly among children, underscoring the potential of a universal school food program to address this need. Raza estimates the annual cost of implementing such a program in Toronto and emphasizes the importance of government support in offsetting initial costs while leveraging the city’s purchasing power for long-term savings.
