The Government of Alberta announced that it will invest $3.5 million into a pilot school nutrition project on Monday, November 14.

Part of the "Future Ready" initiative, 14 schools boards will receive a $250,000 grant to assist in setting up nutrition programs in their selected school.

“It’s hard to learn when you’re hungry. Research clearly shows that students who have a healthy and nutritious diet have more energy and are able to better focus in class. While the immediate effect of the program will be felt in the classroom, we also want to build students’ capacity for lifelong healthy eating and nutrition,” said David Eggen, Minister of Education.

Among the school boards selected is the Calgary Catholic School District. None of it's 3 Airdrie schools will be included in the pilot program.

Rocky View School Division was left off the list as well, but could be brought into the program next year.

"It's a question of people seeing the demonstrable need for a school nutrition program, and then seeing the positive results," said Eggen.

Results from the pilot program will guide the nutrition programs for schools across the province in 2017/18.