Healthy children learn better. When kids have good eating habits and consume a healthy diet they are better prepared to learn.
Educators can positively influence students’ eating habits by: teaching them that healthy, nutritious food provides energy to learn, grow and be active; role modelling healthy eating habits; and avoiding rewarding students with food.
The following resources can be used by teachers in the classroom or to support school initiatives. For questions, contact our Client and Community Support Call Centre: 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 (M-F, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or email clientandcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
Community Programs
You’re the Chef Program
You’re the Chef (YTC) is a cooking program that develops the skills and confidence for students (Grades 5-8) to prepare tasty recipes emphasizing fruits and vegetables. YTC can be part of your Healthy Schools Approach or a stand-alone program. Public Health is available to support your school. YTC grants will be awarded to schools that have already received training and are interested in providing this program in their school this school year. Stay tuned for training opportunities in Spring 2023. Click Public Health YTC information sheet to learn more.
Contact Public Health for guidance, support, and grant funding opportunities. Learn more about our grants and apply online by November 25, 2022.
Food and Friends
Food and Friends is a community partnership that helps start and maintain quality school breakfast, lunch and snack programs and encourages healthy eating.
Fresh from the Farm
Support healthy fundraising with Fresh from the Farm. This organization works with schools to sell local produce at school fundraisers. Of total sales, 40% goes directly to schools and 50% goes to local farmers.
Recommended websites
Lesson plans for Grades 4-8 on media literacy, becoming more resilient to negative body image messaging in the media, and building self-esteem. Developed by the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC).
Helps teachers and schools promote healthy eating by involving students in planning fun activities and earning digital badges. Activities include: improving packed lunches; healthy fundraising; learning food skills; encouraging healthy beverage choices, catered lunches and celebrations.
Information about the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide, healthy eating recommendations, recipes, tips and other resources. Healthy eating resources and a downloadable copy of the new Food Guide are available, or you can order hard copies and posters as well.
Please note: Health Canada will release new information and resources about the Food Guide later this year. When we have this information, we will update our website and resources.
Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH)
ODPH members are Registered Dietitians working in the Ontario public health system. ODPH members work collaboratively to create resources that can be used by educators to nurture healthy eating in students.
- Nutrition and Mental Well-being in School-Aged Children and Youth
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An infographic summarizing the link between healthy eating and positive mental well-being in school-aged children and youth. 2021.
English
French
- Evidence on Nutrition and Mental Well-being in School-Aged Children and Youth
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A summary of evidence on how nutrition impacts the mental well-being of school-aged children and youth. 2021.
- Mental Health and Weight Bias in Schools
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Developed for use with schools to provide information on mental health and weight bias. 2020
English
https://www.odph.ca/upload/membership/document/2020-10/3756-mental-health-and-weight-bias-in-schools.pdf
French
- Nurturing Health Eaters in Elementary Schools
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Describes how school community members can support students in elementary schools (grades JK - 8) to nurture healthy eating. 2019.
English
French
- Nurturing Health Eaters in Secondary Schools
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Describes how school community members can support students in secondary schools to nurture healthy eating. 2019.
English
French
Ontario Edible Education Network
Resources to encourage children and youth to eat, grow, cook, celebrate and learn about healthy, local and sustainable food.
Information, recipes, videos and resources on children’s nutrition and healthy eating. Search ‘School Health’ at unlockfood.ca to get started.