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The United Conservative Party government will continue funding a school nutrition program this year that feeds about 35,000 Alberta children one meal a day.

As questions about the future of the NDP-created $15.5-million program have swirled for months, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange told school divisions and other educational organizations on Monday they can all expect the same level of nutrition program funding this school year.

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“We recognize that good nutrition positively impacts student learning,” LaGrange said in an email, obtained by Postmedia.

It was welcome news for school divisions who have been making best-guess budget decisions in the absence of a provincial budget.

Edmonton Catholic school board chairwoman Laura Thibert said Monday afternoon her fellow trustees are “extremely pleased” to see the funding continue. There are 1,051 students at four Catholic division schools benefiting from the program, she said in a statement.