The Manitoba government is reinvesting an additional $4 million from the sale of U.S. liquor products to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, supporting critical services that improve children’s health, well-being and access to care.

“Manitobans stepped up over the holidays knowing that the proceeds would go to families in need,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “That support is helping put good food in schools for kids and improve care for children who are sick.”

Of the $4 million, the Manitoba government will donate $3 million to the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, in addition to the $30 million invested each year in the universal school nutrition program, which helps ensure children have reliable access to healthy food.

“We removed U.S. liquor products from the shelves in response to the tariffs and the attack on our economy,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation. “Instead of destroying these products once they expire, we’re using the sales proceeds to strengthen local communities and benefit Manitoba children.

An additional $1 million will go to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba to support pediatric care, equipment and family-centred services that benefit Manitoba’s sickest and most vulnerable children receiving care.

“Every day, Manitoba’s school food programs help ensure children and youth can come to school ready to learn with access to nutritious food,” said Clara Birnie, registered dietitian, Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba. “School food programs support long term health and wellbeing. This investment means more healthy food for students and stronger support for families across Manitoba.”

“Children’s Hospital Foundation gives gratitude to the Manitoba government for this $1 million of support,” said Stefano Grande, president and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “This donation will impact projects aimed to increase safety and improve the path to healing for kids needing Manitoba’s only children’s hospital.”

In December 2025, the Manitoba government announced it would donate $2.6 million from the proceeds of U.S. liquor sales to:

  • the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg;
  • Harvest Manitoba;
  • various charities in Brandon, including the Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry and its regional partner organizations;
  • Helping Hands Centre of Brandon;
  • the Boys and Girls Club of Thompson; and
  • Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.

The Manitoba government will continue to sell the remaining inventory of U.S. liquor products and donate the proceeds to charities across the province, the premier noted.