New food policy kicks in at schools

News Release
NWHU

As of September 2011, all food and beverages sold in all Ontario elementary and secondary schools must follow the Ministry of Education’s new School Food and Beverage Policy to help make schools healthier places for children and youth to learn.
The purpose of the policy is to help make healthy food choices the easy choice for all students. Students will be able to choose from a variety of food and beverages that fit the principles of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s Food Guide. According to Chelsea LeCain, Registered Dietitian with the Northwestern Health Unit, “School is where students spend a lot of their time. Providing healthy foods at school can help kids establish and maintain healthy eating patterns that last a lifetime”.
The policy only applies to food and beverages sold in schools. This includes cafeterias, canteens, vending machines and school fundraisers held on school grounds. The policy allows ten “special-event” days during the school year when the school does not have to meet the nutrition standards. Schools are still encouraged to offer healthy options at “special events” that include foods from the four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide. Offering healthy choices during classroom celebrations reinforces classroom healthy eating education and teaches students that healthy food can be “fun food”.
Although the policy does not apply to lunches or snacks that students bring from home or for classroom celebrations, parents and caregivers can support the changes at school by sending their children with healthy food choices.
Find out what is being done to meet the School Food and Beverage Policy at your child’s school. Suggest starting a Student Nutrition Program or Healthy School Committee if there isn’t one already. Lastly, show your support by preparing healthier foods at home. LeCain encourages parents, caregivers and teachers, to lead by example and “be role models to the children in your life. Get them involved in meal and snack time”.
For more information on this policy or other topics related to school health, contact the Northwestern Health Unit or visit www.nwhu.on.ca.