A new $1 million fund has been launched to help community groups expand and improve school food programs across Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic School Food Infrastructure Fund is aimed at nonprofits that support school-based food initiatives. It provides grants to upgrade kitchens, buy equipment, and expand access to nutritious meals for students.

The program is being run by a coalition of four organizations from each Atlantic province: Food First NL, Food For All NB, Nourish Nova Scotia, and the PEI Home and School Federation.

There are two funding streams available. The small grants stream supports projects with expenses between $5,000 and $25,000, while the large grants stream covers projects between $25,000 and $150,000.

Only nonprofit organizations that are directly involved with school food programming are eligible to apply. The fund is not open to schools or school boards, governments, academic institutions, or private businesses.

Applications and full eligibility details are available at www.AtlanticSFIF.ca.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 27.