Innovative Student Nutrition Programs in Ontario: Identifying Case Study Examples
Posted: August 15, 2014
Categories: Edible Education Network / GoodFoodBites / News from Sustain Ontario / Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategy / Research
In partnership with Sustain Ontario’s Edible Education Network, the University of Guelph’s Research Shop has released another report, “Innovative Student Nutrition Programs in Ontario: Identifying Case Study Examples” .
The case studies were selected based on responses to Sustain Ontario and The Research Shop’s email outreach asking for suggestions of innovative Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) in Ontario.
The case studies that have been profiled demonstrate how various programs are working to advance themes that have been put forward in Recommendation 2.8 of Ontario’s Healthy Kids Strategy, which advocates for a “Universal SNP for all Ontario publicly funded elementary and secondary schools” and that recommends complementary opportunities for food literacy education and hands-on engagement with food.
The report also summarizes key themes that emerged among the case study examples, including how SNPs have made their programming work and challenges that they’ve encountered.
VON Plentiful Harvest, one of the programs featured in the report, has students prepare food in a kitchen at the program’s central hub location as co-op placements. Credit: Plentiful Harvest.
It is hoped that these case studies highlight how SNPs across Ontario are managing to advance healthier school food environments, and that telling their stories can better inspire decision-makers and other champions to advance the themes that are included in the Healthy Kids Strategy Recommendation.
The report has been designed for various audiences including:
‣ Current and new SNP providers and partners who may be looking for programming suggestions and contacts with other innovative SNPs;
‣ Government representatives who are looking to advance the HKS recommendations and local food priorities; and
‣ Organizations that are supporting and advocating for SNPs in Ontario.
Check out the report and please feel free to share!