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Navigating your way through the new School Food & Beverage Policy (PPM 150)

The Ontario Ministry of Education announced the School Food and Beverage Policy (PPM 150) in January 2010. The policy comes into effect on September 1, 2011. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that healthy food and beverages are sold in publicly funded schools. The policy will apply to food and beverages sold:

• In all venues on school property such as cafeterias, vending machines and tuck shops;
• Through all programs, including catered lunch programs; and
• At all school related events on school property, including bake sales and sport events.

Schools are still required to comply with the Trans Fat Standards Regulation that came into effect on September 1, 2008.

The Ministry identifies that the policy is part of a broader effort to develop healthier learning environments and improve student achievement, since research has shown that children who eat a healthy diet are more ready to learn and more likely to succeed in school.

Durham Region Health Department provides support to local school boards and their schools as they prepare to implement the policy.  Each school in Durham Region has a liaison public health nurse to assist with implementation.  Schools can contact their liaison nurse by calling Durham Health Connection Line at 1-800-841-2729.

For more information on the new School Food and Beverage Policy and a variety of support resources please visit the following links:

Information

• School Food and Beverage Policy (PPM150)
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)
• Fact Sheet (PDF)
• At-A-Glance Guide to Ontario's School Food and Beverage Policy
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)
• Q&A: What You Need To Know About the School Food And Beverage Policy

Tools

• School Food and Beverage Resource Guide (PDF)
• School Food and Beverage Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
• Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy, Secondary Teacher Resource Guide, 2012 (PDF)
• Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy, Elementary Teacher Resource Guide, 2011 (PDF)
• Online Modules - This interactive site includes 5 modules designed to guide you through the successful implementation of the policy.
  They are intended for:
  • School board staff, principals and vice-principals, and
  • Individuals involved in the sale of food and beverages in schools (e.g., food service providers, public health professionals, teachers, parents, students)

• Nutrition Standards Tool
  The Nutrition Standards Tool will:
  • Assess compliance with the Trans Fat Standards
  • Assess a food or beverage choice against the nutrition standards
  • Categorize a food or beverage choice as Sell Most, Sell Less or Not Permitted for Sale

• eaTracker Recipe Analyzer
  Use this tool to analyze a recipe and get a quick nutrient analysis.

• Creating a Healthy Menu Tool
  This tool will assist your school with choosing ingredients and preparing menu items whether they are from scratch or pre-made foods

Fundraising

• Healthy School Fundraising
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)
• Healthy Pizza Days
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)
• Healthy Catered Lunches
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)
• Bake It Up! - Tasty treats for healthier school bake sales
  English (PDF) | French (PDF)

Trans Fat Resources

• Trans Fat Standards Regulation
• Q&A:  Trans Fat Standards Regulation
• Calculating Trans Fat in Foods (PDF)
• Trans Fat Standards Regulation Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Get Your Fats Straight (PDF)
• Choosing Healthy Foods at School (PDF)

Other Healthy Eating Resources

• School Nutrition Handbook (PDF)
• Canada’s Food Guide
• Nutrition Tools for Schools
• Durham Region Health Department - Health Statistics
  • Quick Facts: Breakfast on School Days (PDF)
  • Quick Facts: Fruit Consumption (PDF)
  • Quick Facts: Vegetable Consumption (PDF)
  • Quick Facts: Beverage Consumption (PDF)
  • Quick Facts: Healthy Weights (PDF)