If you have children in the Anglophone South School District, your school is likely one of the dozens still waiting for the province’s new pay what you can lunch program. The Department of Education officially launched the service in 252 New Brunswick schools. However, you will find that 45 schools remain without a lunch program.

According to a recent report from CBC News, the majority of these delays impact the Anglophone South School District. Currently, 38 schools in this district lack a service provider.

Anglophone South Faces the Biggest Shortfall

The province relies heavily on local restaurants to supply the meals. Finding businesses equipped to handle the volume of daily school lunches proves difficult in some communities.

Grand Manan Community School recently overcame this hurdle. The school serves about 300 students from kindergarten to grade 12. Until recently, it sat on the list of schools without a provider. The school updated its Facebook page to announce a partnership with a local restaurant called the Chart Room Restaurant and Provisions.

Grand Manan Mayor Bonnie Morse highlighted the initial struggle to find a willing business.

“We haven’t had a cafeteria in our school system for probably 10 years or so,” Morse told CBC News. “So there wasn’t someone who was immediately obvious that was ready to step into that role.”

The Need for Hot Meals is Clear

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many families. Action Ministries operates a local food bank on Grand Manan. The organization states that children make up roughly 37 percent of the individuals they serve. That averages out to 49 children every month.

Morse emphasized that a significant portion of the 300 students at the school require this assistance. She noted that many of these children already rely on the local food bank. A hot school lunch provides essential daily support for families facing food insecurity.

Equipment Issues and Renovations Cause Further Hold Ups

A lack of willing restaurants is not the only roadblock. The Department of Education points to ongoing renovations and unexpected equipment failures as additional reasons for the delays.

The department states that district staff are actively working with providers to solve these unique challenges. Your school will launch its program in the coming days once these issues are resolved. Once a school secures a provider, officials will send you instructions on how to order lunches for your children.

In the Anglophone North School District, Jacquet River and Janesville schools still need permanent providers. District spokesperson Meredith Cassie confirmed that temporary food services are currently feeding those students. Meanwhile, L.E. Reinsborough School in Dalhousie faces equipment problems but will launch its lunch program soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many New Brunswick schools currently offer the lunch program?

The pay what you can lunch program is currently operating in 252 schools across the province.

Why are some schools still waiting for the program?

Delays stem from a lack of available local service providers, ongoing school renovations, and unexpected kitchen equipment failures.

Who prepares the food for the students?

The province primarily partners with local restaurants and catering businesses to prepare and deliver the meals to the schools.