Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a life-changing program for our children: the national school food program.
Every day, this program provides healthy, free, nutritious meals to more than 711,000 children in 2,232 schools across the country. This is not just a social program. It is a real investment in academic success, health and equal opportunities. It is an investment in the future of our young people, because when young people eat well, they do better. I am proud of this program, which reflects our values of justice, dignity and inclusion. It helps build a society where every child can learn on a full stomach.
I would like to commend the exceptional work of the schools, community organizations and volunteers who make this program possible, such as the Breakfast Club and La Tablée des chefs, which operate in Quebec. Through their commitment, we can collectively say that eating well at school is a right, not a privilege.