Food plays a crucial role in young people’s development, health and well-being. A quality, balanced and varied diet is also associated with better academic performance1,2.
Since nearly a third, sometimes even half, of daily calories are consumed at school, focusing on a healthy food offering allows children to eat better and helps instill in them healthy eating habits that have the potential to last3.
These resolution models are intended for governance boards. They aim to inform them about the various initiatives promoting healthy eating at school and support them in overcoming certain challenges identified in the Healty Route at School, 10 years later report. These turnkey tools can be adapted to the reality of each environment.
FOOD OFFERING DURING SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Stock up on ideas to celebrate special events, differently and healthily and facilitate coordination between school personnel and parents.
REWARD WITHOUT UNDERMINING HEALTHY EATING
Some rewards may have undesirable effects. Find out why and explore winning rewards that are easy to integrate into the school context.
BETTER SHARING OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Share responsibilities for meals and snacks to contribute to positive bonds between the school team and parents, in addition to supporting a healthy relationship with food for the child.
HEALTHY HYDRATION AT SCHOOL
Schools can optimize their environment to make sure water becomes the first hydration reflex among young people. Build favourable environments where water is the most accessible and attractive drink!
Food donations are often used to help provide food to young people at school. These food donations sometimes include ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar.
However, it is essential to provide access to healthy, nutritious food that complies with the recommendations of the Going the Healthy Route at School framework policy. Food donations should be considered a helpful addition, but are insufficient to ensure equitable access to healthy food at school. Learn more about our findings and recommendations related to food donations!
Consult our overview of food donations in elementary schools in Quebec
Food and culinary skills are essential to help young people eat healthily. Sharing this know-how is key to foster healthy food consumption habits in tomorrow’s adults. The school positions itself as an environment conducive to the development of these food and culinary skills.
Our Trio of recommendations to enable young people to develop their food and culinary skills at school contains information on the importance of:
These recommendations were formulated by a committee of experts formed by Ateliers Je suis capable, Collectif Vital, Extenso, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, ÉquiLibre, Jeunes pousses, La Tablée des Chefs, Les ateliers cinq épices, Québec en Forme and the Canadian Cancer Society – Quebec Division.
For schools favourable to healthy eating.
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For schools promoting a physically active lifestyle.
