The Chatham-Kent Student Nutrition Program is universal and open to all students.

Eating Breakfast equals better learning.  In partnership with the community and its volunteers, we provide nutritious meals to 48 Breakfast or Snack Clubs in schools across Chatham-Kent.  There are approximately 4000 children registered for the program and 450 volunteers make sure that students are well fed and ready to learn.  It costs less than a dollar per student per day to feed them a nutritious meal.

Children learn to eat healthy in a safe environment with their peers.  Children may arrive hungry at school for a variety of reasons such as busy schedules, bussing, finances, etc.  Providing them with a healthy meal or snack, we enable them to make the most of their educational opportunities.

WHO CAN ATTEND AND WHO IS SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM?

Although the program is free to the student, we encourage parents/caregivers to contribute what they can. We receive financial assistance from community organizations and businesses as well as caring individuals. We are a member agency of the United Way of Chatham-Kent. We also receive grants from Breakfast for Learning of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Children Community and Social Services through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program and Breakfast Clubs of Canada.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT LOCAL PROGRAMS?

We assist the local school volunteers/staff to purchase food and equipment in order to run programs. Healthy meals include three of the four food groups. Snacks include two of the four food groups. We provide this program to elementary and secondary schools. We also provide training four our volunteers in nutrition, safe food handling, and first aid, etc.

WHO ARE OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS?

The program is a community partnership that includes CK Public, local school boards, and other community organizations.

RESOURCES

Learning modules – This online course is designed for program coordinators, school staff, administrators, and volunteers who are delivering and/or interested in student nutrition programs.  Completing these learning modules will help you to understand and apply the MCCSS Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines.

The online course consists of three learning modules. The modules should be completed in order and work best on a laptop or desktop computer.  They are available here.

BRIGHT BITES (Grades K-8) 

Available in French and English, Bright Bites is a fun, modern way to boost student nutrition and wellness in your classroom and school. Teachers and other school leaders can use BrightBites resources to guide their students to promote nutrition in their classroom and school. Schools can earn badges in the following areas:

• Student Food Preparation
• School Lunches and Snacks
• Edible Gardens
• Innovative Ideas
• Nutrition Campaigns
• Rewards and Incentives
• Hot Lunch Programs
• Vegetable and Fruit Promotion
• Water and Sugary Drinks
• Celebrations
• Fundraising
• Special Events
• Teaching and Healthy Eating Curriculum

School Food and Beverage Policy PPM 150

CKPH provides staff support to review foods and beverages sold to students in schools to meet PPM 150 Food and Beverage Policy set out by Ministry of Education.  Talk to your school Principal if you are interested in reviewing the list of approved items or have a restaurant or business that would like to get their menu items approved.   

The Food and Beverage Policy can be found on the school boards’ website.  Available here:

Lambton Kent District School Board

St Clair Catholic District School Board

For more information on Community Supports and Resources, click here.

CK Public Health offers schools a grant to create and continue to support school gardens.  This grant is sent to the school in March and is due by the end of April.  If your school is interested in participating, please contact your school health nurse for more information.

You’re the Chef (YTC) is a hands on cooking program that develops the skills and confidence of students in grades 5-8 in preparing tasty recipes emphasizing fruits and vegetables.  Public Health provides training sessions for school staff who are interested in running the program in their school.

To implement the program in your school, email Jennelle Arnew at jennelle.arnew@chatham-kent.ca for guidance, support, and grant funding opportunities.

Click YTC information sheet to learn more about the program.

Is health a priority at your workplace?  Are you looking to make some changes that would support healthy eating?  Connect with one of our Registered Dietitians is get support in creating a policy that would support healthy eating in your workplace!  For more information, click here. 

When you think of the word “meetings,” what comes to mind? For many it is sitting in a room, being inactive, often eating unhealthy food and hoping the meeting is worth everyone’s time.

This resource was created for anyone who wants to host meetings, conferences, or events that foster a healthier work environment and contribute to the development of a healthy workforce.  As meeting organizers you can help create a culture of health, wellness, and productivity by reducing the amount of sedentary behaviour, providing food options that fuel the body, being environmentally friendly, and planning well so that the needs of others are considered. 

By utilizing the “Meet Well” guide, employers can help improve employees’ health and allow participants to be more focused and engaged. By making health the easy choice at work, employees and participants are supported in their healthy living goals.

For more information on the Meet Well Guide, click here. 

Ontario Dietitians in Public Health have created a toolkit called “Creating a Healthy Workplace Nutrition Environment” that can help to support healthy eating in the workplace.  For more information or to have support implementing this guide, please contact the Dietitians at CKPH at 519-352-7270.

This program is for children ages 3-6 years. Children learn with their parents about healthy eating and physical activity through lunch preparation, music, dance and games. Parents must attend with their child. Registration is through the Early ON Centre at 1-866-720-7975.