Researchers and co-chairs of the Canadian Association for Food Studies’ School Food Working Group explain what Ottawa should prioritize to ensure its national school food program succeeds.
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan
From reducing families’ grocery bills to boosting the economy, school meals offer far-reaching benefits, fostering both immediate well-being and long-term economic prosperity.
An effective national school food program can help build the foundations for a healthy population. That’s why Ottawa must limit the influence of the food industry on a national school food program.
The time is ripe to develop federal-provincial/territorial accords towards implementing a national school nutritious meal program.
Ontario’s proposed Food Literacy Act for Students, a first in Canada, would mean students in grades 1-12 have opportunities to grow food and prepare food and learn about local foods.
A well-planned national school food progam in Canada could be a huge boost to children’s health outcomes, long-term healthcare spending and local agriculture and economies.
New research will examine how the emerging farm-to-school movement can support local food systems, as well as providing healthy lunches for children.
There would be many benefits from a national school food program, including a chance to teach children healthy eating habits that could last a lifetime. Why can’t it happen?
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