This is a joint news release with the Yukon Food for Learning Association and the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate.
The Government of Yukon is making life more affordable for Yukoners and increasing a child’s opportunities for success by investing half a million dollars to strengthen existing school food programs across the territory. This funding is a crucial part of the Yukon government's efforts to further support nutrition programs in all Yukon schools and help ease the financial burden on families with school-aged children.
In collaboration with the Yukon Food for Learning Association and Yukon First Nation Education Directorate, this funding will be strategically allocated to maximize its impact.
The Yukon Food for Learning Association will receive $450,000 to be distributed to all Yukon schools or school boards as a one-time enhancement. The amount allocated to each school will be based on enrolment numbers, with a rural adjustment to account for the higher cost of food in Yukon communities. Additionally, the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate will receive $50,000 to support school feasts and other food-related programs.
This strategic funding approach is designed to meet the diverse needs of school communities across the Yukon. The Yukon Food for Learning Association, known for its commitment to ensuring that every student in the Yukon has access to nutritious food at school, will play a pivotal role in administering most of these funds. Yukon First Nation Education Directorate will help ensure that the additional funding is directed to schools and communities where it is most needed.
Our government recognizes the importance of supporting families and school communities across the territory. Our investment in current school food programs is a commitment to the health and wellbeing of Yukon students, helping ensure they have uncompromised access to nutritious food.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
This investment represents another step our government is taking to ensure Yukoners, especially children, have access to nutritious food. Through partnerships with local organizations, we are helping meet the specific health needs of our communities while alleviating financial strains on families.
Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee
Yukon First Nation Education Directorate’s Nutrition Program is funded by Jordan’s Principle to provide equitable and healthy food to all Indigenous children aged zero to 18 in the Yukon. We appreciate this boost from the Government of Yukon to supplement our programming. We look forward to a future where every Yukon student is well-fed at school.
Yukon First Nation Education Directorate Executive Director Melanie Bennett
We would like to thank the Yukon government for providing this extra support to Yukon schools to operate their school food programs. Our vision is a Yukon where every student has access to nutritious healthy food while at school. When the Yukon Food for Learning Association was started in the mid-1990s, the idea of having food available to students while at school was a radical idea. This funding moves us closer to achieving our vision.
Yukon Food for Learning Association Chair John Wright
The Government of Yukon, through the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Social Services, already contributes $137,000 annually to the Yukon Food for Learning Association.
All Yukon schools currently offer some level of food service to students.
Jordan Owens
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0615
jordan.owens@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-471-0902
michael.edwards@yukon.ca
Erin Loxam
Communications, Yukon First Nation Education Directorate
613-255-6463
erin.loxam@yfned.ca