Creating a Supportive Food Environment

Schools can create supportive food environments, where students can develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies, and learn lifelong positive eating habits. Visit BrightBites.ca for a range of tools/resources on managing mealtimes, school gardening, fundraising practices, and more!

Featured Resources:

• 10 Ways to Create a Supportive Food Environment in Schools (français)
  Tips to make it easier for students to eat well and help them develop a positive relationship with food.
• Nurturing Healthy Eaters (Ontario Dietitians in Public Health) | disponible en français
  Evidence-based strategies to promote positive eating habits in elementary and secondary schools
• Let's Get Cookin' | disponible en français 
  Hands-on cooking and food skills program for Grades 5+

• Starting a School Food Program
  Helpful tips for launching school-based food programs.
• Anaphylaxis in Schools (Allergy Aware)
  Online course and national guidelines to help school staff understand the basics of anaphylaxis

• Lunch Your Kids Will Munch (français)
  A helpful resource for parents to support healthy, appealing school lunches.

School Nutrition Policies: 

Why It Matters: 

Students consume about one-third of their daily food at school. A well-nourished student is better able to focus, think, and learn.²

• Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy (P/PM 150)
  This Ministry of Education policy sets nutrition standards for all food and beverages sold in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools.
• Going Beyond P/PM 150
  Strengthen your school's food environment by creating a policy for:
• Fundraising
• Classroom celebrations and rewards
• Food served at meetings and events