The Parti Québécois (PQ) is calling on the Government of Quebec to guarantee primary school meals for all children in Quebec, regardless of their parents’ social status.
PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says he has learned in recent news reports that thousands of Quebec children are not getting enough to eat at school, a situation he believes is exacerbated by rising cost of the grocery basket for the last few months. He believes that for everyone who wishes and desires, lunches and snacks should be available in all schools in Quebec.
In a developed and wealthy society like that of Quebec, no young person should go to school without having enough to eat, to the point of not being able to concentrate and apply themselves properly in class, according to the PQ leader. . In his opinion, the costs of this measure will be largely offset by the collective gains in academic success.
The Parti Québécois points to the example of the state of Minnesota, in the United States, where legislators recently passed a law guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of their parents’ income. This is also the case, he adds, in California, Colorado and Maine.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recalls that the offer of lunches for children at school appeared in the electoral platform of the Parti québécois before the general election of 2018.
The PQ leader adds that such a program would also represent a great opportunity to promote Quebec food products as a priority.
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