A New Era for Student Nutrition in Ontario
Leveraging a generational federal investment to transform a fragmented system into a model of efficiency, equity, and health. This is the blueprint for change, by Majestic Food.
A System at a Crossroads
Ontario's Student Nutrition Program is burdened by systemic challenges that limit its potential and impact. Understanding these issues is the first step towards transformation.
Data & Accountability Gaps
The absence of a central data system makes oversight and evidence-based policy nearly impossible.
Funding Crisis
Provincial funding has stagnated at just 10 cents per student per day for over a decade, failing to keep pace with soaring food costs.
Fragmented Buying
A decentralized model means schools buy individually, losing the immense bargaining power of bulk purchasing.
The Foundation of Project NOBLE
Project NOBLE is the culmination of years of intensive, multi-faceted work. Click each card to learn more about our comprehensive approach.
On-the-Ground Experience
Built upon micro-level data collected and analyzed from hundreds of schools and childcare centres across Ontario.
Global Research
Informed by hundreds of pages of research, understanding and analyzing student nutrition policies and programs across the globe.
Stakeholder Engagement
Developed through interviews with all stakeholders to gain a 360-degree view of all involved parties.
Select a card above to see more details.
The result is a comprehensive plan with many pillars and separate action plans for each stakeholder.
Confidentiality Notice: This report contains proprietary information. No part of this report may be shared, reproduced, or distributed without the express written approval of Majestic Food.
Lessons from Global Leaders
Project NOBLE is informed by best practices from around the world. Select a country to see how their approach provides a model for Ontario.
Project NOBLE: A 2-Pillar Solution
A comprehensive, public-private led solution to modernize Ontario's SNP, Project NOBLE (Nourishing Ontario, Boost, Learn, Elevate), powered by Majestic Food. This framework acts as a blueprint for the future national roll-out, enabling faster execution of systemic change while providing the agility to use real-time data for responsive policy adjustments. Click a pillar to explore.
1. Centralized Hybrid Procurement
Balancing provincial scale with regional flexibility, built on a foundation of radical transparency.
Project NOBLE
2. The Data Hub
A central nervous system for accountability, monitoring, and evidence-based policy.
Select a pillar above to see the details.
Pilot Implementation Blueprint
A comprehensive, multi-phased blueprint for a pilot program. This "procurement-first" approach is designed to deliver immediate, tangible value while methodically laying the groundwork for a longer-term data transformation.
Foundational Analysis: Lessons from Global Innovations
United Kingdom
Exposed critical infrastructure gaps during universal rollout.
LESSON: Infrastructure First.
France
Revealed that ambitious local sourcing mandates strained unprepared regional supply chains.
LESSON: Build Supply with Demand.
Brazil
Succeeded by simplifying procurement for small farms and empowering local oversight.
LESSON: Simplify and Empower Locally.
Japan
Achieved universal participation by deeply integrating meals with education ('shokuiku').
LESSON: Integrate, Don't Just Serve.
Pilot Architecture & Site Selection
Regional Clusters
Total Schools
Students Served
Establishing Selection Criteria
Selection will be a formal process managed by the Joint Steering Committee, using a weighted scorecard. This process is designed to ensure the pilot directly tests the core principles of the National School Food Policy (NSFP) and the Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA).
πΊοΈ Geographic & Regional Diversity
Testing across Urban, Suburban, and Rural/Northern clusters ensures the model is adaptable to diverse local circumstances, aligning with the NSFP principle of Flexibility.
π³ Operational Model Diversity
Includes schools with full, partial, and no kitchen facilities to test various service models, directly informing future Infrastructure Investments as per the Canada-Ontario Agreement.
π§βπ€βπ§ Student Demographics & Equity
A mix of elementary/secondary schools with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds ensures the model is Accessible and Inclusive for all students.
β School & Agency Readiness
Selection prioritizes sites with strong leadership buy-in and data availability to ensure high-quality data collection, supporting the NSFP principle of Accountability.
100% of Products will be Local and Made in Ontario
Stakeholder Interaction & Process Flow
(Ministries)
Provides funding & policy guidance.
Aggregates demand & purchases staples in bulk.
Onboards & purchases from local vendors.
Places simple, consolidated orders via online portal.
Packs orders & manages single delivery to each school.
Prepares and serves nutritious meals to students.
Receives comprehensive reports on finance, operations & impact.
Provides real-time data to government and schools.
Execution Blueprint: A 24-Month Phased Rollout
Setup & Mobilization
Months 1-6
Live Operations
Months 7-18
Evaluation & Planning
Months 19-24
Acceptance Criteria & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)*
π° Financial & Operational
15%
Reduction in per-meal food cost
30%
Reduction in volunteer time on procurement
>98%
On-time in-full delivery rate
π Health & Student Experience
25%
Increase in servings of fresh fruit & vegetables
10%
Increase in student participation rate
>4.0/5.0
Student satisfaction score with meal quality
π Local Economic & Social Impact
>15
New local/regional vendors onboarded
>25%
Of fresh food budget directed to local vendors
>4.2/5.0
Volunteer satisfaction score
*Final acceptance criteria will be established by the Joint Steering Committee after the pilot architecture and site selection are finalized.
Optional Program: Fresh Start - 100% Local, 100% Ontario Produce
A voluntary subscription service for pilot schools to ensure a consistent, predictable, and 100% Ontario-sourced supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Program Benefits
- Predictable Budgeting: A pre-fixed price for the duration of the program.
- Guaranteed Local Sourcing: 100% of produce is sourced from Ontario farms.
- Nutritional Variety: A pre-set, 4-week rotating menu maximizes nutritional value.
- Full Transparency: Clear insight into the supply chain from farm to school.
- Potential for Savings: Prices may decrease as more schools join the program.
Sample 4-Week Menu
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | π Apples |
π₯ Carrots |
π Pears |
π₯ Cucumbers |
π Strawberries |
| 2 | π Peaches |
π« Peppers |
π Grapes |
π
Tomatoes |
π« Blueberries |
| 3 | π Pears |
π₯¬ Celery |
π Nectarines |
π₯ Cucumbers |
π Raspberries |
| 4 | π Apples |
π₯ Carrots |
π½ Corn |
π« Peppers |
π Grapes |
Featured Ontario Farms
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for a Modern SNP
Synthesizing global best practices, six core principles emerge as the foundation for a successful, modern Student Nutrition Program in Ontario.
Procurement as a Strategic Lever
Transformative Data Systems
Integral Food Education
Universal Access for Equity
Strong Policy for Consistency
Adequate & Flexible Funding
Get Involved: Powering Nutrition Together
Community support is the lifeblood of the Student Nutrition Program. Explore how your time and contributions can make a tangible difference in the lives of students across Ontario.
Calculate Your Volunteer Impact
See how a small commitment of your time creates a huge impact.
Your contribution could help prepare
75 healthy snacks
and save the program $50 in operational costs.
Visualize Your Donation's Impact
See exactly what your financial support can provide.
Your $25 donation can provide a week of fresh apples for a classroom.
*All figures and numbers are for demonstration purposes of the concept and are not actual suggested numbers or findings.
Fulfilling National & Provincial Priorities
Project NOBLE is purpose-built to align with and operationalize the core principles of Canada's National School Food Policy while simultaneously advancing key Ontario government initiatives.
Principle: Accessibility
By generating cost efficiencies, Project NOBLE provides a direct pathway to reduce fees and move "progressively towards universal access," ensuring stigma-free participation for all children as called for in the National Policy.
Principle: Health-Promoting
The Data Hub enables tracking of procurement against national guidelines, ensuring meals align with Canada's Food Guide. This directly supports **Ontario's Healthy Eating Strategy** by promoting fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in schools.
Principle: Inclusive & Flexible
The Hybrid Procurement model is explicitly designed to be flexible, allowing menus to be tailored to "diverse cultural food preferences and dietary needs," reflecting the National Policy's commitment to inclusivity.
Principle: Sustainable
The framework's emphasis on regionalized procurement creates stable markets for local farmers, operationalizing the **Local Food Act, 2013**, and the **Building Ontario Businesses Initiative (BOBI)** by creating a streamlined process for local procurement.
Principle: Accountable
Project NOBLE provides the infrastructure for "transparent monitoring and evaluation" required by the National Policy. This model aligns with the **BPS Procurement Directive** and **Supply Ontario's mandate** by modernizing the supply chain and ensuring value for money.
A Blueprint for Implementation
Project NOBLE provides the essential operational vehicle for the Canada-Ontario Agreement, turning national policy principles and provincial priorities into tangible outcomes, offering a scalable model for the future.