Bill C-322, also known as the National Framework for a School Food Program Act, aims to create a national framework for a school food program in Canada. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to healthy food. The bill recognizes that many families in Canada struggle to provide enough nutritious food and that a healthy diet is important for children's well-being and success.
The bill requires the Minister of Employment and Social Development, in consultation with the Minister of Health, provincial representatives, relevant stakeholders, and Indigenous governing bodies, to develop this national framework. The framework will outline criteria for healthy food, determine what meals and snacks should be offered, consider cultural diversity and dietary needs, respect the rights and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and avoid stigmatizing children using the program. It will also promote local and sustainable food systems and healthy food education.
The Minister must prepare a report on the national framework within one year of the Act coming into force and table it in Parliament. The report must also be published on the Department of Employment and Social Development website. A review of the framework's effectiveness must be undertaken within five years of the report being tabled, with another report presented to Parliament and published online.
The Act will come into force six months after it receives royal assent.
Inflation and Cost of Living
The bill acknowledges that many families in Canada struggle to afford enough nutritious food. By establishing a national school food program, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial burden on families by providing children with access to healthy meals and snacks at school.
Environmental Protection
The framework must include measures to foster the use of local and sustainable food systems, which could reduce the environmental impact of food production and transportation.