Item - 2024.EX18.1

The Executive Committee:

1. Requested the City Manager to ensure that in the forthcoming report on implementation of a universal student nutrition program, the City include exploration of pursuing partnerships with existing child and youth nutrition programs outside of the school year.

Student nutrition programs are community-based meal and snack programs that operate primarily in school settings and are run locally by students, parents, and volunteers. These programs provide students energy and nutrients necessary for learning and development during the school day.

On October 9, 2024, City Council adopted HL16.9, Critical Need For Universal Student Nutrition, which provided an overview of student nutrition programs in Toronto and presented a phased-in plan to implement a universal school food program in Toronto. On October 9, 2024, City Council also adopted EX17.1 Building a Universal Student Food Program in Toronto and requested staff to report back to Executive Committee on the financial and operational requirements to deliver student nutrition programs by January 2025 in the school communities that applied for the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school years, were deemed eligible, but were denied due to funding constraints.

In response to City Council direction, this report provides the estimated funding requirements and operational considerations to deliver new student nutrition programs by school communities that applied for the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school years, were deemed eligible, but were denied due to funding constraints.

Funding these additional programs for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year is an estimated $2.2 million and for the 2025-2026 school year is an estimated $3.9 million, excluding start-up costs.

The City Manager's Office was consulted in the development of this report.