Ministry of Education: New Food and Beverage Policy
The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is committed to supporting a healthy school environment. Good nutrition is essential for the proper growth and development of children. Good nutrition is vital to the health and well being of each student and his/her potential to learn. The Board supports schools and parents/guardians in providing an environment in which students are encouraged to make healthy food choices. The Board believes that the school, in cooperation with the parent/guardian and the general community, has an important role to play in the development of positive attitudes toward good nutrition and lifelong healthy eating habits.
Beginning September 1, 2011, school boards will be required to ensure that all food and beverages sold on school premises for school purposes must comply with the requirements of the Food and Beverage Policy PPM 150. The nutrition standards will apply to all food and beverages sold in all venues (e.g., cafeterias, vending machines, tuck shops), through all programs (e.g., catered lunch programs), and at all events (e.g., bake sales, sports events).
The school principal may designate up to ten days (or fewer, as determined by the school board) during the school year as special-event days on which food and beverages sold in schools would be exempt from the policy. The school principal must consult with the school council prior to designating a day as a special-event day.
The Ministry has created on-line learning modules to assist all stakeholders to gain a greater understanding of the policy. For more information regarding the Food and Beverage Policy and how the modules work, please visit:
http://healthy.apandrose.com/