Nova Scotia’s school lunch program is back again this fall, serving new grades and offering an expanded menu.
The province says it will be in all elementary, middle and junior high schools.
This means more than 104,000 students in 334 schools will have access to the programs through September and October.
“This year’s school lunch program is expanding to more schools, ordering is easier than ever, and our updated menu has something for everyone,” said Education Minister Brendan Maguire. “We are doing everything we can to make life easier and more affordable for families, and part of that is making sure the Nova Scotia School Lunch program meets the needs of students across the province.”
Alongside the expanded reach, the Province has introduced stricter service and delivery standards for third-party vendors. These new requirements are built into provincial food service contracts and aim to improve food safety, consistency, and sustainability.
Key improvements include:
- Stronger food safety: Vendors must meet tighter delivery timelines, packaging, and temperature controls.
- Tighter menu controls: All meals follow provincial recipes and nutrition standards; substitutions require approval.
- Contingency planning: Vendors must have plans for school closures, weather disruptions, and staffing shortages.
- Local and sustainable sourcing: At least 20% of food must come from Nova Scotia, with eco-friendly packaging.
- Stricter oversight: The Province can monitor, audit, and apply penalties for service failures.
Ordering has also been streamlined—parents simply select the school and confirm their child’s name.
The ordering window at 290 schools offering lunch starting September 8 or 15 closed at noon on Wednesday, September 3.
Messages about when and how to order for later in the school year, as well as other details, will be sent before ordering starts.
New menu items include:
- Beef Goulash
- Chicken Nuggets with Wedges & Peas
- Chickpea Nuggets with Wedges & Peas
- Cheese Veggie Muffin with Yogurt & Fruit
- Pancakes & Turkey Sausage
- Roast Chicken with Mash Potato & Veggies
- Veggie Bites with Mash Potato & Veggies
- Turkey Burger with Sweet Potatoes side
- BBQ Chicken Drumstick & Mac & Cheese
- Sweet & Sour Veggie Bites with Rice
- Chili with Wedges and Peas
- Beef Chili
- Chicken Souvlaki with Rice and Vegetables
- Falafel with Rice and Vegetables
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
- Teriyaki Veggie Stir Fry
- Beef Shepherd’s Pie
- Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
- Beef Burrito Bowl
- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
- Turkey Pita with Veggies
- Vegetable Stew
- Bean Burger
