Transcript Document
School Nutrition Policy: Are We There Yet? Mary L McKenna, PhD, RD Faculty of Kinesiology University of New Brunswick April 2008 Nutrition and Schools Symposium Gatineau PQ Overview • • • • • • Are we? Goals Challenges Opportunities Pitfalls Next Steps School Nutrition Policy Framework to guide school planning, implementation, and evaluation pertaining to student nutrition and health; growth and development and under- and over-nutrition. Are We There Yet? • Policies in almost all provinces • Comprehensive policies in some provinces • Increased resources available • Expanding evidence base Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Schools • Food and beverages sold in school • Portion sizes • Drinking water • Fundraising • Special functions • Promotion and advertising • Food as a reinforcer • Vulnerable students • Food safety • Nutrition education • Time to eat • Local produce and products • Environmental considerations • Role models • School partnerships and commitment Research Tells Us • Quality of school food makes a difference • School meals benefit students • Competitive foods detract from intake • Healthier foods can make money • Marketing influences intake • Comprehensive approaches are promising The NEW Pause That Refreshes What are the Policy Goals? • Nutritious foods supported by education and access • Positive health outcomes • Healthy diets • Healthy eating – Psycho-social dimensions – Relationship with food – Time to eat – Aesthetics of food and surroundings What are the Challenges? • Low priority • Too few resources (including evaluation) • Idiosyncratic support • Lack of clarity re desired foods • Product procurement/preparation • Coordination among stakeholders • Coordination with families, communities, and workplaces What are the Opportunities? • Obesity • Health care costs • Synergy with agriculture and environment re local foods • Policies for post-secondary institutions What are the Pitfalls? • • • • Communications Accountability and penalization Good food/bad food dichotomy Purpose of eating Next Steps • Evaluation indicators – process and outcome • Learn from successful implementation • Forum for discussion We are shaping the eating environments of students We must consider the whole student Thank You! Mary McKenna [email protected] 506-451-6872