All 115,000 children enrolled in CampTO this summer will receive nutritious daily snacks as the City expands access across 185 locations
TORONTO, March 17, 2026 — The City of Toronto announced on March 17 that it is expanding its CampTO nutrition program for Summer 2026 and continuing its Early Local Registration model to improve access for families and children across the city. Mayor Olivia Chow visited York Recreation Centre on the same day, where she joined children participating in the CampTO March Break program and handed out nutritious snacks.
According to the City, the nutrition initiative, which was introduced last year at select CampTO summer sites, has now been expanded to a universal model. This summer, all 115,000 children attending CampTO programs at 185 locations will receive a nutritious mid-morning snack. The City said the expansion is part of its broader commitment to food security and to helping families manage the rising cost of living.
“When you’re hungry, it’s hard to learn, play, or fully enjoy camp,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to continue advocating for families to have access to free recreation programs in their neighbourhood and to ensure every child enrolled in the City’s CampTO programs receives nutritious snacks. Every child this summer will have a fair shot at participating.”
The City’s CampTO summer programs run from late June through the end of August and serve children and youth ages four to 16 in neighbourhoods across Toronto. Programs include more than 30 types of camp experiences, such as swimming, music, arts, dance and sports, designed to help children stay active, develop new skills, build friendships and create positive summer memories.
CampTO program listings are already available online to help families review locations, dates and activities ahead of registration. The City said eligible local residents living near participating Free Centres will be able to register early beginning March 24 at 7 a.m., while general registration for CampTO programs city-wide will open on March 31 at 7 a.m. Parents and caregivers can register online, by phone or in person through the City’s registration and booking system.
The Early Local Registration initiative, directed by Toronto City Council, gives eligible residents living near Free Centres the opportunity to register for high-demand recreation programs one week before general registration opens. The City said the initiative is intended to improve access for local residents, particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods. For Summer 2026, the early registration model is being rolled out across all 33 Free Centre locations offering CampTO programs. Residents can use the City’s online eligibility tool to confirm whether they qualify.
The City also noted that eligible residents may apply for support through the Welcome Policy subsidy program to help cover the cost of recreation programs offered at paid community centre locations. In addition, Toronto hires thousands of seasonal recreation workers each year to support CampTO and other summer recreation programs, including counsellors, lifeguards and instructors.（LJI by Rita)
