Food in Schools

Nutrition plays an important role in physical and mental wellbeing. Children can pay attention and learn better when they are well nourished.

Let's Get Cookin' Program (Formerly You're The Chef)

This program provides training for school volunteers to teach basic cooking skills to children and youth (grades 5 and up). If you enjoy cooking, this program can help you start running the Let’s Get Cookin’ program in your school community!

Tower gardens

Many schools across Elgin and Oxford have indoor growing towers (tower gardens) which allow them to grow fresh vegetables all year long. Schools and students in our community have grown lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes and flowers in their tower gardens! Learn more about how to use and explore Tower Gardens.

For support with your schools’ tower garden or to learn about grant opportunities available to support the purchase of a tower garden, connect with your school public health nurse or reach out to healthyeating@swpublichealth.ca.

Talking about weight

How we talk about weight, shape and size in schools impacts students body image and wellbeing. Find resources to help promote body confidence and overall health without focusing on weight on our Reducing Weight Bias page.

Ontario Student Nutrition Programs

The Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP) works to ensure that every student in Ontario has equal access to nutritious food to support their physical, social and academic development. OSNP:

Administers funding to school programs
Delivers fresh and affordable food programs via OSNP’s bulk purchasing program
Invests in evidence-based research on health and academic outcomes associated with programs
Provides ongoing support for programs and assist with the startup of new programs
Coordinates with school boards, public heath units and other communities
Supports local farmers, producers and distributors

Meal and/or snack programs are free for every student. Schools independently operate their programs with the support of their community partnership. Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is the local community development coordinator for Oxford County.

Fresh from the Farm Fundraiser

Looking for a fresh alternative to traditional fundraisers? Enroll in Fresh from the Farm to raise money using Ontario fruits and vegetables.

School food and beverage policy

The Ministry of Education’s Healthy Schools: New School Food and Beverage Policy requires that all food and drinks sold in Ontario schools comply with its requirements, including nutrition standards. Learn more in the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy Elementary Teacher Resource Guide.