Schools Promote Healthy, Locally Grown Foods

Apples. Broccoli. Squash. They are just a few of the many fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables grown locally in Nova Scotia.

Students and staff will enjoy tasty, healthy menu items, made with such in-season, locally grown produce with the help of a new school resource.

Strive for Five at School! A Guide to Promoting Fruit and Vegetables, was launched today, March 10, at Lawrencetown Education Centre and Lawrencetown Consolidated School in Annapolis County. Community partners and students got to try a few of the Strive for Five at School! recipes, prepared by the students and school cafeteria staff.

Students in Nova Scotia's public schools are already enjoying healthy foods and beverages, thanks to the Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Public Schools. Strive for Five at School! takes it a step further, focusing on promoting and preparing in-season local fruits and vegetables and highlighting the importance of children and youth eating five servings of fruits and vegetables during the school day.

"This is another example of the great work happening in schools to help children and youth eat healthier and be more healthy overall," said Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "We know young Nova Scotians are becoming heavier and less fit and this is one of many things we're doing to help improve their health and help them develop good habits that last a lifetime."

The guide includes a calendar showing which fruits and vegetables are available in Nova Scotia, along with 85 large- and small-quantity recipes. Other resources include nutrition tips and fun facts for newsletters, as well as ideas to promote featured fruits and vegetables. There is also a guide for planning workshops for people who prepare food in schools so they can make more nutritious recipes.

Recipes were developed by a professional dietitian and taste-tested by students and staff who prepare food in schools. Most recipes have few ingredients, take relatively little time to prepare, are affordable, and help schools provide food and beverages that meet the Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Public Schools.

Strive for Five at School! Is an initiative of the Health Promoting Schools Program which encourages physical activity, good nutrition and a healthy school environment. Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, it encourages students' physical, social, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being to improve their ability to learn.

The resource was created by the producer supplier committee of the Annapolis Valley Health Promoting Schools Program, the Community Health Boards of the Annapolis Valley, Armstrong Food Service and the departments of Health Promotion and Protection, Education and Agriculture.

Patricia Bishop, owner of Taproot Farms, is co-chair of the Producer-Supplier committee, which includes local producers and suppliers, local and provincial agriculture organizations and school board and government representatives.

"Many partners are working together with the common goals of healthy children and healthy communities," said Ms. Bishop. "These strong partnerships are making it possible to provide our children with delicious and nutritious local choices that they love to eat."

March is Nutrition Month so be sure to take the challenge and celebrate food ... from field to table! To learn more about Strive for Five at School!, visit www.gov.ns.ca/hpp .