Support For Healthy Schools

Twelve schools in the Annapolis Valley are making healthy choices the easy choices. Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald presented the Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools Project with $100,000 today, Nov. 18, as he joined students for lunch at Somerset and District Elementary School in Berwick, Kings Co.

The Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools project incorporates both healthy foods and drinks and physical activity into the school day.

"Promoting healthy eating and physical activity among our children is a priority for the Office of Health Promotion because it's a priority for Nova Scotians," said Mr. MacDonald, also speaking as acting Minister of Education. "We want all children to have healthy options at school and a key part of making that happen is to look at the good things that are already happening and to learn from what works."

In August 2004, the province released a report titled Food and Nutrition in Nova Scotia Schools, which was based on interviews with school board program directors and principals from elementary, junior and senior high schools. The report outlined their current situations, issues and potential opportunities for improvement related to food choices in schools.

The province is using that information, along with the experience from the Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools Project, to develop a new provincial policy to support accessible and affordable healthy food choices in schools. The committee, which also includes school boards representatives, principals and other education partners, will consider all aspects of food in schools, including food and beverage service, breakfast programs and vending machines.

"Our goal is to help children make healthy choices about nutrition and physical activity everyday. This will reduce their risk of developing chronic disease and give them the skills to develop healthy habits for life," said Tricia Cochrane, vice president of Community Health for the Annapolis Valley Health Authority, a key partner in the project.

The Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools project has been a success thanks to the commitment of parents, teachers and students, and the encouragement of the school board.

This funding will allow the project to continue and expand by:

• subsidizing the cost of raw fruit and vegetables;
• allowing students to taste test new menu options;
• training student physical activity leaders to organize activities for other students at lunchtime; and
• running non-competitive physical activity programs after school.