As part of the NWT Anti-Poverty Strategy – Healthy Food for Children and Youth, ECE distributes $650,000 every year to NWT schools for breakfast, snack and lunch programming. This program is known as Healthy Foods for Learning.

Healthy Food for Learning responds to needs related to northern food insecurity and socio-economic challenges. In May 2014, sustainable Healthy Food for Learning funding was identified by the GNWT to respond to the needs related to northern food insecurity. The funding flows to schools through ECE’s contributions to individual education bodies. 

NWT schools have shared wise practices for a successful school food program, which include partnering with local grocery stores, government departments and businesses, and involve students in developing and implementing the food programs in their schools (i.e., growing food, involving Elders/community members in traditional food preparation).