News release

Healthy Food Choices on the Way

Office of Health Promotion (Jan. 2003 - May 2005)

Healthy, well-nourished children are better learners, so the province has started working with school boards to see that children are offered healthy food choices at school.

"A healthy body is essential to developing a healthy mind," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "The departments of Education, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Office of Health Promotion are committed to supporting our schools, parents and communities in improving the health of our children."

A report that outlines suggested solutions that support healthy eating in Nova Scotia's schools was released today, Aug. 26, by the Office of Health Promotion. Food and Nutrition in Nova Scotia Schools is based on a survey undertaken in the summer of 2003 of school board program directors and principals from elementary, junior and senior high schools. The survey examined current situations, issues and potential opportunities for improvement related to food choices in schools.

The province will use the information in the report, while working with school boards, principals and other education partners to develop a new provincial policy to support healthy food choices in schools.

"Our schools play an important role in helping children and youth make healthy food choices," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "With a policy framework to guide them, schools will be better able to help students develop healthy nutrition habits that will provide lifelong benefits."

One aspect of the policy will address providing healthy food choices that are locally grown and produced.

"We are so fortunate to have high quality, safe foods grown right here in the province," said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "It's important to teach youth about healthy food choices and also about accessing and using the quality products that are available right here in Nova Scotia."

While some schools were not originally designed or equipped as places to provide food for students, increases in the number of students who stay at school over lunch hour has resulted in growing dependence on food offered at school. Schools have also been identified as having influence over children's food choices.

The report can be found on the Office of Health Promotion's website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/healthyeating.html, under reports and publications.