Education and Early Childhood
Development
School nutrition policy updated
05 December 2018
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government
has revised its public school nutrition policy.
“We have heard from New Brunswickers who have
expressed concerns about the level of restrictions included in the previous
nutrition policy,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister
Dominic Cardy. “These changes will provide flexibility and empower local school
communities to make informed decisions about the health and well-being of their
students.”
Policy 711, Healthier School Food Environment,
sets the minimum requirements for creating a healthier food environment in
public schools.
As part of the new standards, flavoured milk
and 100-per cent fruit juice may be sold in schools.
In addition, given the unique challenges
associated with breakfast programming and the vulnerable students served by the
programs, school districts will be allowed some flexibility while they work to
provide the healthiest food options possible. Schools and districts will also
be empowered to organize fundraisers and special events that respond to their
unique needs.
“I am pleased that we have found a way to
protect the integrity of the nutrition policy and will continue to promote and model
healthy choices for our students while allowing for some flexibility where it
makes sense,” said Robert Fowler, chair of the Anglophone South school district
education council and chair of the anglophone provincial council of district
education council chairs. “It is especially important that we have ensured our
breakfast and lunch programs will continue to provide a much-needed service in
our schools.”
While much of the focus has been on school food
criteria, the policy’s main goals are to promote optimal health and well-being
through nutritional literacy and educational programming, consistent with the
government’s 10-year education plans.
District education councils may also develop
policies that are consistent with or more comprehensive than the provincial
policy.
The policy is available online.