The Province of Alberta is looking to expand the school nutrition program to include all public schools.

A pilot project with 14 public school boards was such a success the province is taking the next step by adding the rest of the 46 school boards, they will each receive $141,000 in grant funding to implement the program.

The program will cost 10 million dollars and is included in the 2017 budget.

Premier Rachel Notley said the schools in the pilot have used their budgets in innovative ways to deliver the program, and a teaching component is an important part of  it.

In Lac La Biche an elementary school and a high school have teamed up with some really great results.

"Elementary students at Vera M. Welsh have received nutritional meals every day," said Notley. "Culinary art students at J.A. Williams High have had the opportunity to make those meals for elementary school, earn credits and gain valuable work experience."

School boards must demonstrate how their program adheres to the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth and are required to include a nutrition education component as part of the program.

Alberta Education will hold a series of discussions with community partners, researchers and other representatives about the nutrition program’s rollout to date and how it can be strengthened.

Notley said giving children the best possible start in life is a fundamental value shared by all Albertans.

"Every child, whatever their circumstances, they should have the opportunity to full fill their potential."

"The moral compass of any society is best judged by how it treats our youngest and most vulnerable citizens."

Motley added students come to school hungry for a variety of reasons.

"This program will give the students the fuel they need to focus in the classroom. And it will also help them develop the skills they need for life-long healthy nutrition."

John Bailey, Superintendent of Schools, is excited to find out how this will help schools in the Foothills School Division.

"I'm excited to hear the Alberta school meal pilot program has been expanded and will soon benefit families across Foothills School Division," Bailey said.

"We thank our dedicated volunteers who continue to support meal programs within our schools and look forward to receiving more information from Alberta Education on the expansion, qualifications, and implementation of this provincial program."