TORONTO, ON (February 10, 2025) – Today, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, visited Albion Heights Junior Middle School to discuss the importance of school food programs.
“No child should have to wait when they’re hungry,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “School food programs mean higher attendance, better grades and brighter futures for kids. I encourage all councillors to join me in funding this essential program.”
On December 18 2024, Toronto City Council declared food insecurity to be an emergency, responding to the crisis that 1 in 10 Torontonians are using food banks. Food bank use has more than doubled since the pandemic amidst a cost of living crisis and tragically, one-third of food bank users are children.
Amidst a cost of living crisis, “we are stepping up to create a kinder, more caring and affordable city”, added Mayor Chow. The Mayor’s Budget 2025 proposes an investment of $6 million to expand school food programs to 21,500 kids in 48 schools by September, as the City of Toronto works towards universal school food by September 2026.
The Budget remains subject to approval from Toronto City Council, with a final vote scheduled for February 11th.
Quotes
“Too many food bank users in Toronto are children. When a child is hungry they cannot properly learn and face lifelong risks to their health, education and financial outcomes. Reducing childhood hunger is a moral imperative and good public policy. Food banks alone cannot solve the food insecurity crisis we face. We know that school food programs help ensure that no child is hungry during the day. They are an invaluable part of a true, long-term solution.”
- Ryan Noble, Executive Director, North York Harvest Food Bank
“From my time as TDSB Chair, I know that education is the key to every child’s success and future opportunities. This program ensures that kids can focus on learning – not where their next meal comes from. A mid-morning meal sets the tone for the day and supports better outcomes for students. Investing in our kids is investing in our City’s future.”
- Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin (Don Valley West)
