Healthy children learn better. When kids have good eating habits and eat well, they are better prepared to learn.
Educators can positively influence students’ eating habits by using a positive and inclusive approach. This can include focusing on the importance of food to provide energy to learn, grow and be active; role modelling healthy eating habits; using non-food rewards; and reinforcing that eating looks different for everyone.
The following resources can be used by educators in the classroom or to support school initiatives. For questions, contact Client and Community Support at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 or email clientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
Food Safety at School
School Food Safety provides information to ensure foods are prepared and/or served safely.
School Programs
You’re the Chef (YTC) is a 6-week food skills program that develops the skills and confidence for students (Grades 5-8) to prepare tasty recipes emphasizing fruits and vegetables.
Keep Kids Fed at School is a program that offers provides breakfast, snack, and lunch programs for students in schools throughout Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph. These socially inclusive student nutrition programs, provide nutritious food to help improve students’ physical and mental well-being.
Recommended Websites
Canada’s Food Guide provides information about eating recommendations, recipes, tips, and other resources. Resources and a downloadable copy of the food guide are available, or you can order hard copies and posters.
BrightBites is a website for the school community that provides evidence-based information and resources about food, eating, and bodies. Educators can utilize this website to build knowledge, competence, and confidence in creating teaching and learning environments that are grounded in a food neutral and body inclusive approach. There is also additional information and tools that can help create a positive school food environment.
Food is Science provides educator resources to support learning and teaching about food and food systems for Grades 3-9. Built to support the new food literacy expectations in Ontario’s Science and Technology curriculum. Includes lesson plans, learning videos, readings, and student resources.
Hands on Food is a food literacy curriculum for Grades 4-7 but can be adapted for Grades JK-12. Includes lesson plan and recipes that focus on local food and a sustainable food system.
Love Your Lunch Day provides resources for parents and educators to promote lunchtime food inclusivity and acceptance amongst students.
Ophea’s Ideas for Action provides easy-to-use activities on the topics of healthy eating, mental health and physical activity that can be modified for elementary or secondary students and their leaders.
Ontario Edible Education Network provides resources to encourage children and youth to eat, grow, cook, celebrate and learn about local and sustainable food.
The Healthy Respectful Lunchroom is a program for Grades 1-3. Dietitian Gwen engages students about what’s in their lunchboxes, what others bring, being open to different or unfamiliar foods and more. Includes presentations, worksheets and discussion guides.
UnlockFood.ca has information, recipes, videos and resources on helping children develop a healthy relationship with food. Search ‘School Health’ to get started.
Ontario Dietitians in Public Health has resources that can be used by educators to nurture healthy eating in students.
Great Big Crunch is a fun event that brings your school together to celebrate healthy foods and raises awareness about the need for a universal cost-shared healthy school foods program for Canada. This Canada-wide event takes place every March.