Surrey Schools expands universal lunch programs and adds student supports for 2026-27

Surrey Schools says stronger-than-expected year-end results have allowed the Surrey Board of Education to add $2.7 million in ongoing funding to its 2026-27 operating budget, with supports available from the start of the school year.

The district will add 69 IESW positions, including 40 approved in May’s preliminary budget and 29 added in August. It will also add two teacher-advocates to support Indigenous student graduation rates, bringing the district total to eight, as well as seven youth and childcare workers to support secondary students with social-emotional needs.

Gary Tymoschuk of the Board of Education said the funding is not one-time funding, describing it as sustained direct investment in day-to-day student supports while the district manages its finances responsibly.

The district also plans to have fully universal food programs at 91 elementary and secondary schools by the end of the school year through its Feeding Futures program. Lunch programs operate in 128 schools, offering low-cost meals to all students and fully waiving costs for students experiencing financial need. At participating elementary schools, universal lunch meals cost paying families $3.

Of the 91 elementary schools with lunch programs, 82 are launching universal lunch programs this September. The remaining nine will operate subsidized-only programs, with the district aiming for all 91 to reach universal status by December 2026.

Breakfast programs are offered at 99 schools, with fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, eggs and grab-and-go options. School snack programs, community fridges, take-home food supports including frozen meals, and weekend hampers are intended to help children access nutritious food outside school hours. The district’s audited financial statements will be presented publicly at the Board meeting on September 16, 2026.