Children can pay attention and learn better when they are well nourished. It is important to fuel their day with healthy food choices.
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.
Bright Bites
Bright Bites is a free program for elementary and secondary school environments. Entire schools or individual classes/groups can sign up as teams to earn fun, easy ‘badges’ that help improve nutrition. Participants will rise up in the Bright Bites Hall of Fame and get recognition on social media. Bright Bites also provides free resources for Educators.
Fresh from the Farm Fundraiser
Due to COVID-19, the Fresh from the Farm fundraising program is postponed until Fall 2021.
Move over chocolate bar fundraisers! Enroll in Fresh from the Farm to raise money using Ontario fruits and vegetables. The fundraiser supports a healthy nutrition environment by:
- Teaching students about food, nutrition and agriculture
- Supporting local farmers
- Promoting healthy eating habits for kids, families and communities
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. Our staff have been fully trained on the policy. We can help answer questions you may have. Learn more in the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy Elementary Teacher Resource Guide.
Talking about healthy weight
Find resources to help promote body confidence and overall health without focusing on weight on our Reducing Weight Bias page.
Nutrition resources
Visit School Health from Dietitians of Canada for information on a variety of school nutrition topics.
NutriSTEP nutrition screening
NutriSTEP® provides nutrition screening for toddlers and preschoolers.
Nutrition screening in Elgin and St. Thomas
In 2017, the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program in Elgin St. Thomas conducted a parent-administered, validated and reliable nutrition screening in partnership with schoolboards and kindergarten registration. Learn about their findings: