Generated Summary
This document is a discussion paper developed and presented by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph. It explores the need for and benefits of comprehensive, integrated food and nutrition programs in Canadian schools, with a focus on creating healthy and sustainable approaches. The paper examines the current context of school food and nutrition in Canada, identifies gaps and opportunities, and proposes actions for governments and communities. It uses case studies to illustrate successful initiatives and emphasizes the importance of collaboration, funding, and standardized approaches to achieve the goals of improved child health, food security, and sustainable local food systems.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Children spend a large amount of time in school; approximately one-third of children’s food intake happens during school hours, but many children go through the day undernourished.
- Canada is the only G7 country without a national school food program, ranking 37th out of the world’s 41 wealthiest nations for access to healthy food.
- 65% of children are consuming fewer than five servings of vegetables and fruit per day.
- 70% are not meeting recommendations for regular consumption of milk and milk products or milk alternatives.
- One-third of children’s daily calories come from foods that were not included in Canada’s Food Guide.
- 70% of children eat fast foods at least once per week.
- 10%-50% (depending on age and sex) reported skipping breakfast.
- The nutrient density of home-packed lunches at school are about 20% lower in vitamins A, D, B12 and calcium than meals eaten at home.
- School food programs provide roughly 33% of daily energy intake while there.
- The average grades of high school co-op students went from under 60% to more than 60% in the Victorian Order of Nurses’ Central Food Procurement Pilot.
- A national 50 cent per litre levy on sugary drinks could generate up to $1.8 billion in revenue each year, with a 20% decrease in consumption due to taxation.
- A $1 investment in prevention can result in a $4-5 cost savings due to reduced direct and indirect health care expenditures.
- The federal government declared its “intention to work with the provinces and territories towards the creation of a National School Food Program.”
- The Coalition for Healthy School Food proposed a cost-shared, universal, healthy school food program, with the eventual goal of additional funds to achieve universal coverage aimed at improving the health of children and planet, and significantly reducing the $13.8 billion in costs related to nutrition-related chronic disease in Canada.
Other Important Findings
- The current practices in schools across Canada create an inconsistent patchwork of food-related activities and understanding.
- Comprehensive school food and nutrition programs can provide a strong opportunity for students to learn, in a hands-on way, to choose local and sustainable food, minimize food waste, and compost.
- School food programs have the potential to support Canadian farmers and food businesses and contribute to Canada’s agri-food sector.
- Schools teach about food as part of the curriculum, sell food, and some schools offer programs like community kitchens, school gardens, and food skills courses.
- A universal school food program has many benefits supported by research, including health, academic success, and food insecurity.
- The Victorian Order of Nurses’ Central Food Procurement Pilot saved money and created a “foundation for a budding social enterprise.”
- The Fresh Roots program offers experiential learning, youth empowerment, and seasonal internships and is growing good food for all.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The document acknowledges that the implementation of a national school food and nutrition program faces challenges, including variations in provincial and local-level policies, funding limitations, and the need for collaboration among different levels of government and stakeholders.
- There is limited economic analysis available in Canada to quantify the potential costs and benefits of such programs.
- The current curricula content is outdated, and teachers need to be actively engaged and equipped to deliver food and nutrition-related curricula.
- Reliance on volunteer labor to conduct a school food program with meal service may contravene existing human resources policies.
Conclusion
The document emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable approach to school food and nutrition programs in Canada. It argues that such programs are essential for improving child health, reducing food insecurity, and supporting local food systems. The paper calls for a national school food program that is universal, non-stigmatizing, and incorporates food literacy and nutrition education. Key recommendations include a focus on hands-on food skills, curriculum enhancements, harmonized nutrition standards, and intergovernmental collaboration. The document highlights the economic benefits of investing in health promotion programs and emphasizes that a national school food program can provide a strong opportunity for students to learn about healthy eating. It also stresses the importance of incorporating local food resources, supporting local producers, and minimizing food waste. The success of such programs depends on coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including government, communities, educators, and families. The document concludes with the idea that by prioritizing food literacy, creating positive food environments, and ensuring access to nutritious foods, Canada can emerge as an international leader in food education and nutrition. In the words of the authors, “The challenge isn’t necessarily that there are unknown solutions, but that capacity building and connectivity are needed.” This implies that, while successful initiatives exist, a coordinated national effort is crucial to ensure that all Canadian children benefit from healthy and sustainable school food and nutrition programs.