Item - 2018.HL29.6

The Board of Health recommends that:

1.  City Council continue to align the Student Nutrition Program municipal funding policy with that of the provincial policy, which recognizes that public and independent schools in the City of Toronto are eligible for consideration for provincial funding for Student Nutrition Programs based on need.

2.  City Council authorize the release of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (November 8, 2018) from the City Solicitor, which relates to advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City of Toronto, after the final City Council meeting on the 2019 Budget in 2019.

The Board of Health recessed its public session to meet in closed session to consider Item HL29.6, Student Nutrition Program: Independent School Update, as it relates to advice or communications that are subject to solicitor-client privilege and litigation or potential litigation that affects the City of Toronto.

This report provides an update on providing Student Nutrition Programs in independent schools. Since 2009, City funding to expand Toronto’s Student Nutrition Programs has been directed to publically-funded schools to align with provincial policy and to maximize the benefits of the program's partnership funding model. In 2016, the Board of Health recognized that some independent schools may have a student base with a similar level of need to some public schools, and considered extending municipal funding for eligible independent schools. In 2018, the provincial policy changed to consider the eligibility of independent schools. Funding for Student Nutrition Programs helps to provide a more equitable environment for children and youth through access to safe, adequate, and nutritious food at school to help them focus and learn.

The Medical Officer of Health requested a legal opinion from the City Solicitor on the City's current policy of funding for the Student Nutrition Program. This report should be considered with the companion report from the Medical Officer of Health. This report attaches the confidential legal opinion of the City Solicitor.

At its meeting on November 13, 2018, the Board of Health Budget Committee considered Item HU16.3 - Student Nutrition Program: Independent School Update.