Niagara MPPs celebrate student nutrition programs

NDP MPPs Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) and Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) celebrated the Niagara advocacy that helped secure province-wide funding for student nutrition programs yesterday.

"We are filled with optimism today," said Stevens. "This journey began right here in Niagara, and the top-up for school nutrition programs is a credit to the relentless advocacy of our service providers and community members. We are proud to have added our voices to theirs. We took the issue directly to the Minister, worked across party lines, and the result is a positive step forward."

"Ontario is grappling with an affordability crisis, and it's our responsibility to ensure no child goes to school on an empty stomach,” said Gates. “The community of Niagara has shown what's possible when we come together for a shared cause, but the advocacy doesn't end here. "This is just a first step in addressing a program that hadn't seen a funding increase in almost a decade.” 

"We will continue to keep a watchful eye on the developments and are actively connecting with the Ministry for more details,” said Stevens. “Our children deserve consistent support, and we will work tirelessly here to ensure they get it.”

The office of Gates and Stevens have reached out to the Ministry to ensure they will be kept updated on the timeline and details of the announcement for the additional $5M to Ontario's student nutrition programs. 

Quick facts

    •    April 19, 2023: MPPs Wayne Gates and Jennie Stevens delivered a letter to Michael Parsa, Minister for Children Community and Social Services, while highlighting the lack of funding increases for the Niagara Nutrition Partners program during question period.
    •    June 12, 2023: Niagara Nutrition Partners program received requested top-up money – the first top-up in nearly a decade.

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