The federal minister of families, children and social development, Karina Gould, is leading the consultation on how healthy food could be provided at schools.
It is likely to touch off a frenzy of lobbying by commodity organizations such as the poultry and dairy marketing boards and associations that speak for grain, beef, pork, fruit and vegetable producers.
It will be far more vigorous than lobbying over the Canada's Food Guide.
It might even trigger a lobby from organizations representing organic food producers.
That’s what happens in the United States.
Gould said one in five children across Canada are at risk of going to school hungry and school meal programs can improve access to nutritious food that helps children grow and learn.
The government said a national policy should consider the diverse realities of children, families and schools and build on any existing programs. It says nothing about what food will be provided.
It is also hosting roundtable discussions with stakeholders such as the Breakfast Club of Canada, schools and children to help build the policy. Farmers are not mentioned.
