The goal behind La Cantine dans les écoles is to ensure that children can learn on a full stomach, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.
About 56,000 children have access to La Cantine dans les écoles’ meals
La Cantine dans les écoles offers children greater food security, without stigma. Our flexible pricing system allows parents to pay anonymously according to their means (minimum price $1; suggested price $6). This means that everyone is free to pay whatever amount they wish, with no conditions or justification required. The organizations in charge of catering receive compensation from La Cantine pour tous to cover their expenses.
Before being matched with a school in their region, each member organization is certified by La Cantine pour tous, which ensures compliance with best practices in food production.
This is made possible by the generosity of our funders, financial partners and donors.
Studies show a correlation between students’ academic success and the quality of their diet.
Every dollar invested in a universal school feeding program returns $3 to $10 in value, thanks in part to reduced costs associated with health problems in adulthood.
Source: Iris (in French)
The meals offered are validated by La Cantine pour tous, according to criteria established by nutritionists and the Canada’s Food Guide.
All children in participating schools have access to a hot meal at lunchtime, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Over 20% of children in Québec—about 200,000 young people—experience some form of food insecurity, with nearly 12% experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity.
Source : Iris (in French)
Canada is the last of the G7 countries to adopt a school food policy, which it must now implement to ensure food security in our schools.
All parents at participating schools can order delicious, healthy meals for the days of their choice, and pay what they can (minimum $1; suggested price $6).
Your school isn’t part of the program yet, but would you like it to be? Fill out the form below.
The program is offered to students in 184 schools in 15 regions, thanks to the participation of 41 member organizations in charge of catering.
Whether you’re a school staff or a parent, you can help make a difference for the children in your elementary school.
By joining the La Cantine dans les écoles program, your school helps ensure that every child—regardless of their socio-economic background—has access to healthy, balanced meals.
Fill out the appropriate form below to let us know you’re interested.
Everyone! Flexible pricing is available to all families, with no conditions or proof required. You choose the price you pay per meal, starting at $1. Regardless of your chosen amount, La Cantine pour tous covers the difference up to the suggested price of $6 per meal.
It’s confidential: neither the caterer nor the school sees it. We use this information anonymously, internally, for statistics only.
No commitment is required. Order what you want, when you want:
Whether you order occasionally or every day, La Cantine dans les écoles is here to support you!
Yes! The recipes offered in the La Cantine dans les écoles program are approved by dietetic technicians at La Cantine pour tous, following criteria established by registered dietitians who are members of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec, and based on Canada’s Food Guide.
Each meal includes an entrée and a dessert. Beverages are not included.
Don’t forget to pack a water bottle and reusable utensils in your child’s bag on meal days.
No worries. Our platform automatically blocks meals containing common allergens if you’ve noted them in your child’s profile.
For less common allergies, the full ingredient list is available in each meal’s details. Please review every dish to ensure it’s safe for your child.
Are you a community organization involved in meal preparation and share our mission to ensure food security in Québec? Join our network as a member organization.
