New Brunswick families will see a major change in schools this fall. The provincial government is rolling out a pay what you can school lunch program in September to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals.

According to an announcement from Education News Canada, the initiative tackles food insecurity and makes life more affordable for parents across the province, including right here in Saint John.

How the Pricing Works

The program features a shared cost model between families and the government. You will pay $4 per meal for students in kindergarten to Grade 8. For students in high school, the cost is $5 per meal.

If you cannot afford these prices, your child will still eat. Community organizations and the government provide a full subsidy to ensure every student participates. If you have the means and want to help, you also have the option to contribute more than the base price.

Why This Matters for Students

Leaders believe this program directly impacts student success in the classroom.

“We know when students have a full belly, they can better focus on learning,” said Premier Susan Holt. “By giving students access to nutritious, affordable options at school, we are giving them one of the essential tools they need to learn and thrive, while also making life more affordable for New Brunswick families.”

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson echoed this sentiment. She noted that access to healthy meals increases student engagement and leads to better overall results.

Learning from Other Provinces

The government allocated $26 million for the school lunch program for the 2026 to 2027 school year. This includes a new investment of $7 million.

Johnson explained that New Brunswick took notes from similar programs in neighboring provinces.

“We learned from the challenges seen in the school lunch models in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and are proposing a different model for New Brunswick,” said Johnson. “Using a model where everyone pays the same price helps with affordability and sustainability while fostering greater social equality for all students.”

A prototype of the program is already running in select schools. This trial phase helps officials prepare for the provincewide launch and identify any necessary tweaks.

Continued Support for Breakfast

The new lunch initiative joins the existing universal breakfast program. The province invests $2 million annually into the breakfast program, bolstered by $11 million over three years from the federal National School Food Program.

By utilizing both the breakfast and lunch programs, officials expect your family to save between $900 and $2,000 every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new school lunch program start?

The program launches provincewide in September 2026.

How much does a meal cost?

Meals cost $4 for students in kindergarten through Grade 8 and $5 for students in Grades 9 through 12.

What happens if I cannot afford the meals?

Your child will still receive a meal. The government and community organizations provide full subsidies for families who need financial assistance.

Can I pay more to help support the program?

Yes. Families have the option to contribute more than the set meal price to help sustain the program.

Will the universal breakfast program continue?

Yes. All students will continue to have access to nutritious food through the existing universal breakfast program.