OSSTF Toronto Statement Re: City of Toronto Student Nutrition Program

 MEDIA RELEASE

 For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 2, 2025

 OSSTF Toronto Supports Expansion of City of Toronto Student Nutrition Program

 Toronto, ON – The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) of Toronto strongly supports Mayor Olivia Chow’s plan to expand the Student Nutrition Program.

Food insecurity has a profound impact on student achievement. Teachers and education workers in Toronto see firsthand that when students are hungry, they cannot learn. Worrying about the next meal distracts students from classroom material and negatively affects their mental health and overall well-being.

School-based nutrition programs not only assist students in greatest need but also foster healthier, more inclusive school communities.

“Nutrition programs in schools are vital to students’ ability to succeed at school,” said Michelle Teixeira, President of OSSTF Toronto.

“As the union that represents secondary teachers and professional support workers in TDSB schools, we are proud to support Mayor Oliva’s Chow’s commitment to expanding the Student Nutrition Program. Every day our members support students who are struggling because they are hungry. We know first-hand the benefits of nutrition programs in schools which include improved student achievement, and improved mental wellbeing,” continued President Teixeira.

OSSTF Toronto represents approximately 7000 secondary school teachers, adult day school and continuing education teachers, secondary occasional teachers and professional student services personnel workers in the Toronto District School Board.