School Food Programs in Canada: Models for Success

Healthy meals lead to better learning and stronger communities—a practical guide to school food programs that make a difference.

School food programs are increasingly recognized as essential for improving health, education, and economic outcomes. This book offers the first Canadian-focused examination of these initiatives, highlighting innovative models and demonstrating why making them a national priority is crucial.

Bringing together insights from university researchers, community organizers, educators, public health professionals, and local government practitioners, the volume combines a historical overview of policy and advocacy with detailed case studies of successful programs. The final chapter looks beyond Canada, surveying school food policies in six other countries to reveal lessons that can inform domestic practice.

By linking provincial, Indigenous, and federal efforts with on-the-ground implementation, the book provides a framework for understanding which program models and features best serve diverse Canadian communities, making it an indispensable resource for policymakers, educators, and advocates alike.

Amberley T. Ruetz is a recognized leader in school food and food policy and a key figure in establishing Canada’s National School Food Program. She works as a consultant, academic, and media contributor, advocating for regenerative food systems that support children and communities.

Rachel Engler-Stringer is professor of community health and epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, and a leading scholar in school food research.