Nine non-profits will receive $3 million to provide additional food assistance for vulnerable K-12 students and families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The non-profit organizations, which will each receive $300,000 or $375,000, have extensive experience serving their communities in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.

The Grande Prairie Salvation Army is receiving $300,000.

This $3 million in new funding is in addition to $15.5 million for the school nutrition program. School boards are encouraged to find innovative ways to provide meals or food to students while in-school classes are cancelled.

“Ensuring our students do not go hungry while in-person classes are cancelled is of the utmost importance. We are giving non-profits and school boards the funds and flexibility to find solutions to provide meals or food for students as they learn at home. I commend their efforts to meet students’ needs during this challenging time," says Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education.

Some school authorities have developed ways to continue providing food assistance, and many others are planning for alternative arrangements. Those who are unable to continue their school nutrition program must direct their remaining funds to non-profits able to serve vulnerable students in their communities during this pandemic.

“Alberta School Councils’ Association is pleased to see that students in need will continue to receive nutrition support while learning at home. Families will be relieved to know funding will go to local school boards and non-profits in their communities, to best address vulnerable students during this pandemic," says Allison Pike, executive director, Alberta School Councils’ Association