Ontario is expanding and enhancing its Student Nutrition Program so that 56,000 more children and youth will get the nutritional boost they need to succeed at school.

The province is making an initial investment of $32 million over the next three years as part of its five year plan to enhance the Student Nutrition Program. Under the new plan, 340 new breakfast programs will be established in elementary and secondary schools that need it most across Ontario. The program will also be expanded to on-reserve First Nations schools, beginning in northern Ontario.

The Student Nutrition Program provides nutritious breakfasts, snacks and lunches to support healthy development so school children are better prepared to learn.

Expanding the Student Nutrition Program is part of Ontario’s plan to break down barriers for low income Ontarians and address the effects of poverty. By promoting student success, it is also part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow by focussing on Ontario’s greatest strength – its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

*   During the 2012-13 school year, over 695,000 school-age children and youth
benefited from more than 4,200 breakfast, lunch and snack programs.
*   Eligible schools are identified based upon socioeconomic data and academic
performance.
*   The Healthy Kids Panel Report “No Time to Wait” highlighted the importance of
school nutrition programs.

LEARN MORE

*   Ontario’s Student Nutrition
Program<http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/schoolsnacks/index.aspx>
*   Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines
<http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/schoolsnacks/nutrition_guidelines.aspx>
*   Ontario’s Action Plan for Health
Care<http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/ecfa/healthy_change/>

QUOTES

“Nutritious snacks and meals are critical to the success of every child. We want Ontario’s children to reach their full potential, and this investment is one more way we are helping our children succeed.”
— Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Children and Youth Services

“Expanding the nutrition program is an important Ontario initiative to help our students excel. It is critical that our children benefit from a healthy lifestyle and are offered every opportunity to be at their best.”
— Charles Sousa, Minister of Finance