Frequently Asked Questions

About the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program

What is the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program?

The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program is a Government of Nova Scotia program that offers nutritious lunches to public school students every school day. The program helps make life more affordable and easier for busy families and ensures students have access to nutritious, delicious food that supports their learning and well-being.

Is my school part of the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program?

In the 2025-26 school year, all schools in that include elementary, middle school and junior high grades are participating in the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program. In future years, the program will expand to all public schools across the province.

Select your region for a current list of School Lunch Program schools

Who is making the school lunches?

Each school is unique, with different facilities and lunch operations. Each school has one of three delivery models for their lunch program:

  1. School staff make lunches in the school's kitchen 
  2. A company makes lunches in the school's kitchen 
  3. A company makes and delivers lunches to the school

The program model does not affect the menu options, ordering process or quality of lunches.

Is the food locally sourced?

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible, promoting healthy eating habits and supporting local farmers.

Who can I talk to for more information?

You can speak to your child’s school or reach out to your regional School Food Program Lead with any specific questions about the School Lunch Program by completing the support form:

Send a support request
About the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program

Ordering

When can I order meals?

Ordering opens on Friday mornings and closes on Wednesday at noon for meals that will start being served the following Monday. All registered users will receive e-mail reminders when ordering opens and closes.

How do I place an order?

  1. Create an account, or login to your existing account on NSLunch.ca by clicking “Order Now” button and selecting your school region or conseil scolaire.
  2. Add a Diner Profile for the student and then select “Order Meals Now” for that student to place an order.
  3. Select meals for each school day for a two-week period. Every day, there will be two choices.
  4. Confirm your meal selections. You will be able to choose the amount you wish to contribute to the meal, if any. If you choose to pay for the meal, you will be asked to provide your payment information. Once you input your information, click Submit Order to submit your order.
  5. The student(s) will receive their meals at their school’s designated lunch area.

Click here to see detailed instructions.

Do I need to create an account for the online Nova Scotia School Lunch ordering system?

Yes, you need to create an account to use the ordering system and to order a meal. 

 If you’re a student, you can create an account and log in using your GNSPES account. If you do not have an account, the system will guide you to create one.

Who can order?

Students and families can create an account and order lunches. Schools and regional staff as well as community organizations can also support families and help order lunches on their behalf, if needed.

What does gluten-friendly mean?

Gluten is not intentionally present in the ingredients of this meal. However, meals and ingredients are prepared in facilities where gluten is present. Due to potential cross contamination, we cannot guarantee that meals are gluten free. There is a risk of gluten exposure. Please consider this risk based on the student’s individual needs before ordering.

How do I place orders for more than one student?

You can place orders for multiple students by creating a separate Diner Profile for each student within your account. To do this, log in to your account on the “Diners” section on the main page, click on the “Add” button. Fill in the student’s information and click “Save”. Now on the main page, simply select the “Order Meals Now” button and you’ll be able to place separate orders for each student.

Can I cancel or change my meal order?

Meal orders can be changed or cancelled while the meal ordering window is still open (until Wednesdays at noon). However, once the ordering window closes, no changes or cancellations can be made. 

 Please note that refunds are not provided for orders that have already been submitted, even if they are cancelled or changed while the ordering window is still open. This policy is explained in the cancellation agreement that you acknowledge before placing an order. If a meal is missed, families can choose to pay nothing during the next ordering window to “make up” for it.

Can I share my account so other people can order for my child?

No, each parent or guardian needs their own account to place orders for a student. For security, don’t share passwords and payment information. To prevent double orders, only one person should place a meal order each cycle.

How can I ensure my device is compatible with the online ordering system?

To make sure your device works well with the ordering system, keep your mobile device or computer up-to-date with the latest app, software and operating systems.
Ordering

Payment

How much do lunches cost?

The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program is a pay what you can program. After choosing lunches, the ordering system gives families three payment options: pay the $6.50 cost of the meal, pay part of the cost, or pay nothing.

How do I pay?

Lunches are paid for in the online ordering system. After choosing lunches, the ordering system takes you to a payment screen. On the payment screen, you will see three payment options: pay the cost of the lunch, pay a part of the cost, or pay nothing. 

 You will be able to make a secure payment using: 

  •  Visa 
  • Mastercard 
  • American Express 
  • Discover 
  • Visa Debit 
  • Debit Mastercard

Can I get a refund for meals that a student no longer needs or there is a snow day or any unexpected school closure date?

Refunds are not provided for orders that have already been submitted, even if they are cancelled or changed while the ordering window is still open. This policy is explained in the cancellation agreement that you acknowledge before placing an order. If a meal is missed, families can choose to pay nothing during the next ordering window to “make up” for it.

Can I make a donation to the program?

Yes, individuals and businesses can make donations to the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program.

If I make a donation, will I be issued a tax receipt?

Yes, tax receipts will be sent to your mailing address.
Payment

Troubleshooting

Why can’t I place meal orders?

If you cannot place orders, it might be because of one of these reasons: 

  •  You haven’t created a Diner Profile for the student. To create a Diner Profile for the student, log in to your account, click on the button “Add Diner”, fill in the student’s information, and click “Save”. Now on the main page, select the “Order Meals Now” to start placing orders. 
  • The ordering window for the current cycle has already closed. Once the ordering window closes, you won’t be able to place meal orders until the next cycle begins. Please check the ordering schedule for future cycles. 
  • The school is temporarily closed for certain days/ period. On school closure days, lunch won’t be available, and you won’t be able to select meals for those days during the ordering process.
  •  Other reasons: If you are still having problems, please contact your region or conseil scolaire by creating a Support Request.

Why can’t I place an order for some days?

On school closure days, lunch isn’t available, and you can’t select meals for those days during the ordering process.

Why can’t I make payment? Who can I contact if I have issues with payment/NS Pay?

If you require further assistance, please contact your region or conseil scolaire by creating a Support Request. 

 A School Lunch Program Lead from your region or conseil scolaire will respond. 

 If you have not received any response before the ordering window closes, we recommend submitting your orders with a $0 payment to make sure the order is still processed on time.

What happens if a student changes schools?

If a student is changing schools in the same regions or conseil scolaire, you can update their profile and select the new school in their diner profile. 

 If a student is changing school regions or conseil scolaire, then you will need to create new account in the region or conseil scolaire’s ordering system.

Who can I contact for log in/account issues? For example, what if I need to reset my password?

If you are not a student, you can learn how to set up and manage your My NS account or reset your password, at: About My NS Account. 

 If you require further assistance, contact the 2KEYS helpdesk. 

The 2Keys helpdesk is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except holidays) 
Telephone (North America): 
1-844-322-9375 
TTY / TDD Telephone (Hearing Impaired)
1-844-322-9377 

 If you are a current student and need password help with your GNSPES account, you can get help at: https://www.gnspes.ca/help/. For additional help, you can always contact your Regional Help Desk.

What is 2-step verification?

Two-factor authentication (2FA), also known as two-step verification, is a security method that adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts beyond just a password. To make your My NS account more secure, 2-step verification has been introduced. To login to your account, you now need: 

  1. Your username and password, and 
  2. A verification method (e.g. phone number or authenticator app) 

 For more information on setting up your 2-step verification visit About My NS Account or contact the 2Keys Helpdesk from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (excluding holidays and weekends). You can reach them at:
 • Telephone (North America): 1-844-322-9375
 • TTY / TDD Telephone (Hearing Impaired): 1-844-322-9377

What if I am having issues that I cannot resolve on my own?

If you require further assistance, please contact your region or conseil scolaire by creating a Support Request. 

Nova Scotia School Lunch Program - Support Request | Nova Scotia School Lunch Program - Support

 A School Lunch Program Lead from your region or conseil scolaire will respond.

A crowd of children enjoy their lunch in the cafeteria