Universal Nutrition Program

November 24, 2025

The provincial universal school food program, dubbed “Nello’s Law” after the late Education Minister Nello Altomare, was announced with funding in June 2024. Almost all Pembina Trails Schools are engaging in some form of nutrition programming. Breakfast, snacks and/or lunch are available in all schools. The Pembina Trails Nutrition Teacher is continuing to enhance programming, which focuses on food options that fit schools’ needs, equipment and staffing.

The provincial Universal Nutrition Program launched in September 2024 and helps ensure healthy meals and snacks are available to all students during the school day—free of charge and without barriers such as proof of need.

Funded through federal and provincial governments, as well as external partners, the program provides breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks in every school in the division. Nutrition Coordinators play a crucial role in making the Manitoba school nutrition program available to students in the division. They are responsible for organizing and maintaining the school’s nutrition program which includes ordering, delivering, preparing, and providing assistance and encouragement to promote students to eat healthily within the school.

As of September 2025, 15 schools are taking part in the breakfast program, 18 are taking part in the lunch program 31 are taking part in the snack program and 13 are taking part in all three programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “universal” mean?

“Universal” means all students can access program meals and snacks, free of charge, without needing to apply or show financial need.

Who administers the Universal Nutrition Program?

Pembina Trails’ Nutrition Teacher oversees a team of Nutrition Coordinators in schools to support and help develop a nutrition program customized to their community needs.

Who prepares the food?

All food is prepared in and served in accordance with safe food handling requirements and regularly inspected by Manitoba Health. The food is prepared by people who have food handler certification and include Nutrition Teacher and Nutrition Coordinators.

Is this program available at my child’s school?

A school’s program is determined by factors such as school population, the history of previous nutrition programs, in-house facilities to prepare food, and sociodemographic indicators. Contact your school’s administration for details.

What types of food are offered?

Schools offer a variety of nutritious, culturally inclusive foods that align with Canada’s Food Guide and Manitoba’s school nutrition guidelines. Pembina Trails’ Nutrition Teacher and Nutrition Coordinators work together to source products from local suppliers when possible. Depending on the school, programs may include breakfast, lunch, daily snacks, or a combination of these.

Does the program accommodate dietary needs or allergies?

Nutrition Coordinators work with the school to provide options that reflect students’ dietary needs, allergies, and cultural or religious food preferences. Speak directly with your school’s administration to share any specific requirements.

How is the program funded?

Funding comes from the provincial and federal levels of government Universal Funding and some Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, President’s Choice and grants, as well as other private donors (donations are often made through the Educational Support Fund). Schools may also continue to apply for grants from organizations such as Breakfast Club of Canada.

What is the impact of your Nutrition Program?

Schools report strong positive impacts—greater equity, improved focus and enhanced school culture.

• Equity and Inclusion: Universal access reduces stigma; hunger support for all.

• Student Impact: Better attendance, readiness to learn, healthier habits and gratitude from students.

• Staff and Culture: Feeding students builds connection and pride among staff.

• Operations: Snack bins, cupboards, and efficient ordering systems work well; partnerships and donations add value.

• Early Progress: Even new programs show strong engagement and community support.

Takeaway: Nutrition Programs are reducing stigma, improving wellbeing, and fostering collaboration among staff, students, and the wider school community.

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