Student Nutrition Program

Universal access

• The program is available to all children and youth, regardless of socioeconomic background and ability to pay. 
• All children and youth are made to feel welcome.

Children and youth are supported to achieve their full potential

• The program encourages children and youth to participate.
• The program provides a socially positive environment that engages children and youth.

Nutritious food is provided, according to food safety guidelines

• The food and beverages provided are nutritious and consistent with the nutritional guidelines developed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
• Menus are inclusive and sensitive to the cultures and faiths of the local community. 
• Safe food handling guidelines are followed. Kitchen facilities are consistent with the menus provided.  
• A public health inspector inspects SNP kitchens.

The community supports the program and participates in its delivery

• Parents/caregivers are involved in, and contribute to, the program. This can include financial contributions (based on ability to pay), volunteering, donations of food, or more.
• A local committee or group plans and delivers the program. Committee membership can include parents, children and youth, teachers, principals, volunteers and other interested community members. 
• Local fundraising and partnerships with community sponsors contribute to program funding and delivery.

Accountability and evaluation

• Programs provide activity and financial reports on a regular basis to the Health Unit (who reports to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services).
• The program has a separate line in the school bank account under its own name.
• The program can show that parents and the local community have provided funding to support the program.

Funding for the Student Nutrition Program is granted on a fiscal year timeframe, from April to March annually. Schools must apply each February for the following fiscal year. Funding is allocated to eligible schools in three installments – September, January, and April. Schools are required to submit financial and program data reports each month to be eligible for the next year’s funding. For more information, email healthyschools@nwhu.on.ca.

We are a member of Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO). The network is made up of representatives from 14 Lead Agencies who administer provincial grant funds. It takes strong local and provincial partners, all working together, to make sure that children in our varied communities enjoy healthy food every day in the 4,450+ student nutrition programs in Ontario. Student nutrition programs across the province are possible through our Key Partners. We acknowledge our joint success and appreciate their contributions.