Students in seven Yukon schools are set to receive hot lunches this year as part of a pilot program initiated by the territorial government and funded by the federal government. While the initiative marks a positive step towards improving student nutrition, it also raises concerns regarding its limited scope, as three-quarters of Yukon schools will not be included in the program. The timelines for extending the program to these excluded schools remain uncertain.
Courtney Wheelton, the director of First Nations initiatives at the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate, noted that previous funding under Jordan’s Principle used to provide comprehensive meals for Indigenous students across Whitehorse and rural communities. The new pilot, which has a budget of approximately $7.3 million and will run until March 2027, focuses solely on providing lunches at seven specific schools: Selkirk Elementary, Takhini Elementary, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary in Whitehorse, Ghùch Tlâ Community School in Carcross, Tantalus Community School in Carmacks, Del Van Gorder School in Faro, and Johnson Elementary School in Watson Lake.
Wheelton acknowledged the challenge posed by the funding limitations. “The amount available equates to about $1.30 per student, which significantly undercuts the support that was previously available through Jordan’s Principle for rural communities. Nevertheless, this represents a step in the right direction,” she commented. The chosen schools were selected based on their needs and their ability to deliver hot lunch services, as not all schools in the Yukon have that capability.
Shanna Epp, an assistant deputy minister with the Yukon education department, expressed hope that the pilot will provide valuable data on participation rates and potential barriers, laying the groundwork for a future expansion of the program. “We want to learn from other regions in Canada and truly engage with our partners, communities, and students to understand what works best,” Epp stated.
The pilot program also aims to mitigate the impacts of recent federal changes to the administration of Jordan’s Principle funding, which has affected educational services throughout the Yukon and other northern regions. Epp remains optimistic, highlighting that Ottawa is indicating a commitment to making the National School Food Program, which is financing the pilot, a permanent fixture. This could ultimately lead to a more comprehensive solution for school meal programs across Yukon and enhance food security for students in the region.