In the heart of Canada, a quiet revolution is brewing in school cafeterias, and it’s not just about the menu. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are spearheading a movement to transform school food programs (SFPs) into sustainable food systems, and the implications for agriculture, health, and education sectors are profound.
Kaylee Michnik, lead author of a recent study published in the journal ‘Canadian Food Studies’ (Études canadiennes sur l’alimentation), is at the forefront of this initiative. Her work, conducted in collaboration with various food system sectors, aims to understand the readiness and priorities of partner organizations to support sustainable SFP development in Saskatchewan.
The study, conducted in February 2024, surveyed 321 organizational partners across 10 food system sectors. The results, published in ‘Canadian Food Studies’, paint a clear picture of the current landscape and future potential. “We found that organizations are highly motivated to improve childhood nutrition and health,” Michnik explains. “However, there’s a significant gap when it comes to funding and support for broader sustainable food systems.”
The survey revealed that while improving childhood nutrition and providing food-related education were top priorities, support for environmental sustainability and local food production were less emphasized. This disparity highlights an opportunity for growth and collaboration. “There’s a real need for increased funding, political leadership, and multi-sector collaboration,” Michnik notes. “We’re talking about a province-wide, universal, and sustainable SFP that respects local cultures and geographies.”
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching. For the agriculture sector, increased demand for local, sustainable food production could open new markets and opportunities. Health sectors could see long-term benefits from improved childhood nutrition and health outcomes. Meanwhile, the education sector stands to gain from enhanced food-related education and community engagement.
The study also underscores the importance of knowledge sharing and partnership. Over 60% of organizations expressed a desire to be informed about SFPs in Saskatchewan, and nearly half want to collaborate and lead towards improvement. This willingness to engage presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and drive meaningful change.
As Michnik and her team continue to advocate for increased SFP knowledge sharing, collaboration, funding, and advocacy, the future of school food systems in Saskatchewan looks promising. The research not only highlights the current state of partnership support but also builds a compelling case for a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. The journey towards a province-wide, universal, and sustainable SFP is just beginning, and the potential benefits for students, communities, and the broader economy are immense.