P.E.I. Home and School Federation wants free lunches for all students

The P.E.I Home and School Federation wants free healthy lunches in schools for all children.

The group says a province-wide lunch program would ensure students don't go hungry andgetproper nutrition.

"If kids are hungry they can't focus as well, and that there might be behaviour issues in the school and it kind of just takes care of that one thing where we can make sure that they're fed and then they can learn,"saidHome and School Federation president Lisa MacDougall.

High percentage of hungry children

The Home and School Federation passed a resolution last year asking for the lunch program, and plans to push government on it more this year. The group says one in five children in P.E.I. is affected by some level of food insecurity.

"P.E.I. has one of the highest rates of hungry kids in Canada," said MacDougall.

She believesthere has been too much focus on students performance in class.

"The way the school day is structured right now show ourpriorities about curriculum ...and the scores students get on tests and not about health," said MacDougall. The Home and School Federation would like to see current cafeterias operated by private businessesphased out as well.

No plans for provincialprogram yet

The cost for such a programis expected to be in the millions of dollars.Education Minister Doug Currie said there are noplans for a province wide program at this time. However, the Home and School Federation hopes to start a pilot project at one school and move from there.

The group is optimistic free lunches will be available in some schools in the coming months.

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