food-and-beverage-in-schools
The Dufferin鈥怭eel Catholic District School Board is committed to making its schools healthier places for all students. A healthy school environment enhances student learning and achievement as well as the mental health and well鈥恇eing of all students.
All food and beverages sold on school premises for school purposes must meet the requirements outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum No. 150: School Food and Beverage (2010) including the nutrition standards for food and beverages. The policy applies to food and beverages sold:
- in all venues on school property such as cafeterias, vending machines and tuckshops;
- through all programs, such as pizza days, catered lunch programs etc.; and
- at all events on school property, including bake sales and sport events.
The nutrition standards do not apply to lunches or snacks that are brought from home.
As per Policy/Program Memorandum No. 150, schools are allowed up to 10 special鈥恊vent days throughout the year, where they are exempt from the standards. Although special鈥恊vent days provide greater flexibility with food and beverages, schools are encouraged to offer healthy options. To accommodate religious, health and/or cultural needs, the Board shall take into consideration the diversity and health needs of both staff and students.
To support students with life threatening allergies, school Principals are to provide allergen aware areas to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents. Principals are to discourage parents/ guardians from sending peanut and/or tree nut, and substitute products, to school with their child(ren).
Every effort should be made to ensure that classroom and school activities are designed to include pupils with anaphylaxis. Principals will ensure the community is made aware that allergens may be found in many activities such as play dough, beanbags, stuffed toys, sand/water tables, counting aids, science projects and seasonal activities. Pupils with an anaphylactic allergy may be excused from participating in recycling/school clean-up depending on the nature of the activity and the Plan of Care. Principals will encourage non-edible items to be used during holidays and celebrations at school. If edible items are present, appropriate measures, including providing parents/guardians with a list of all ingredients, must be taken to ensure the safety of students with anaphylaxis.
鈥�