As winter sets in across the North Okanagan, local school food programs are feeling the pinch of rising costs, with recent tariffs on imported foods adding another layer of financial pressure to already stretched budgets.
At Vernon’s Mission Hill Elementary, volunteers unpack boxes of fresh produce on a Tuesday morning. The scene repeats itself in schools across the region, where thousands of students rely on breakfast and lunch programs for consistent nutrition. But behind the scenes, coordinators are quietly revising menus and stretching dollars further than before.
“We’re serving about 30% more students this year compared to last, but our funding hasn’t kept pace with either the demand or the rising costs,” explains Melissa Davidson, coordinator for the North Okanagan School Nutrition Initiative. “The new tariffs on fruits and vegetables from the U.S. meant an immediate adjustment to what we can offer.”
Davidson isn’t alone in her concern. Food Banks BC reported last month that school food program referrals have increased by 23% across the province, with rural communities facing particular challenges due to limited local food sources during winter months.
The recently implemented 10% tariff on certain U.S. agricultural imports—retaliation in the ongoing softwood lumber dispute—has pushed prices up precisely when programs need stability. For school nutrition initiatives operating on fixed grants, these increases create difficult choices.
“We’re paying nearly $2 more per kilogram for bell peppers than we did in September,” notes Chris Harker, who runs the Food for Thought program serving five schools in Armstrong and Enderby. “That might not sound like much, but when you’re feeding hundreds of kids multiple days a week, it adds up very quickly.”
Local suppliers are trying to help. Davison Orchards has increased its donation of imperfect produce, while the Vernon Farmers’ Market vendors coordinate a weekly collection of unsold items. But during winter months, these sources naturally diminish.
At a recent Vernon School District board meeting, trustees heard that most school-based food programs are now spending 15-20% more on the same food compared to twelve months ago. The combination of general inflation, transportation costs, and the new tariffs has created what one trustee called “a perfect storm of food insecurity.”
“We’ve seen this coming,” says Ellen Matthews, who has volunteered with school nutrition programs for eight years. “First it was COVID disruptions, then general inflation, and now these tariffs. The children who depend on these meals don’t understand international trade disputes—they just know they’re hungry.”
Provincial officials have acknowledged the challenge. In a statement to the Morning Star, the Ministry of Education confirmed it is “monitoring the situation closely” and “considering options to support districts facing increased nutrition program costs.” However, no specific funding increases have been announced.
Meanwhile, local organizations are stepping in where possible. The Armstrong Regional Cooperative recently announced a $15,000 donation split between school food programs in its service area, while United Way Southern Interior BC has established an emergency school nutrition fund.
“The community response has been heartwarming,” says Davidson. “But we need sustainable solutions. These aren’t luxury programs—they’re essential services that directly impact learning and development.”
Research published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health last year found that students who participated in school nutrition programs showed improved attendance, better concentration, and fewer behavioral incidents than peers with similar backgrounds who didn’t participate.
For parents like Jennifer Coleson of Coldstream, whose two children benefit from their school’s breakfast program, the service is invaluable. “I work early shifts, and knowing my kids get a proper breakfast before class gives me peace of mind. With groceries costing what they do now, this program makes an enormous difference to our family budget.”
School administrators report the impacts extend beyond nutrition. “These programs create community within the school,” explains Brenda Taylor, principal at BX Elementary. “Students from different backgrounds sit together, share conversation, and start their day with positive social interaction. The benefits ripple throughout the school day.”
As winter continues, program coordinators are adapting. Many have shifted toward more plant-based protein options, increased use of frozen local produce from fall harvests, and formed buying cooperatives with other programs to secure better prices.
Vernon city councillor Teresa Durning, who has championed food security initiatives, believes more coordination is needed. “School food programs shouldn’t have to compete with each other for resources. We need a regional approach that ensures every child has access to nutrition regardless of which school they attend.”
The Vernon Morning Star contacted the Canadian Border Services Agency regarding the impact of tariffs on non-profit food programs, but did not receive comment before publication.
For now, the dedicated volunteers and staff who run these essential programs continue adapting to ensure no child goes hungry. But as Davidson puts it: “We’re managing today, but we’re concerned about tomorrow. These kids deserve better than uncertainty about whether there will be enough food to go around.”
