New Food and Beverage Policy coming to Ontario Schools

Have you heard about the new nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in publically funded schools in Ontario?  Read on to learn more about the Ontario Ministry of Education policy that will take effect beginning September 1, 2011.

The School Food and Beverage Policy , which reflects the principles of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s Food Guide, applies to food and beverages sold:

• In all venues on school property, such as cafeterias, vending machines and tuck shops
• Through all programs, including catered lunch programs; and 
• At all events on school property, including bake sales and sports events.

Schools must be in full compliance beginning September 1, 2011, at the start of the 2011-12 school year. Many schools are already beginning to implement the policy and several food suppliers are reviewing their products to make sure they meet the new standards.

Students spend a large portion of their day at school and research shows that healthier learning environments improve student achievement. The nutrition standards do not apply to lunches or snacks that are brought from home or non-school related events held in school facilities.  Although schools are allowed up to 10 "special-event" days throughout the year which are exempt from the standards, parents and community partners can encourage schools to always offer healthy choices.

Information sheets and interactive orientation modules about this new school nutrition policy are available at: www.ontario.ca/healthyschools.

General healthy eating information is available at the following three websites:

• EatRight Ontario
• Health Canada (Canada’s Food Guide) and
• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information contact: Susan Close, Public Health Dietitian susan.close@smdhu.org