Nutritious food helps kids learn. Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program responds to that need. Providing healthy breakfasts, snacks, and lunches at many schools helps kids to concentrate better. Proper nutrition helps kids get the most out of their school day. The program is made possible through volunteers and community partnerships.
Part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, Ontario invested an additional $32 million over three years. This money funds the Student Nutrition Program, with the investment starting in 2008.
The investment in 2008 will support the creation of approximately 700 new breakfast programs. This includes the expansion of 300 existing programs in communities with the highest need.
The programs are developed by schools and community agencies. They are run by volunteers such as parents, teachers and community agencies. Programs follow the updated Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines. These guidelines were developed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and partners including:
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health Promotion
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Dietitians of Canada
- Ontario Society of Nutrition Professionals in Public Health
- Public Health Units, and
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph.
Programs are encouraged to follow the Nutrition Guidelines. These guidelines help providers choose nutritious foods for breakfast, lunch and snacks.
