We believe that it is essential for programs to be open to all students. Every student can benefit from having access to nutritious foods at school.  There are many reasons that prevent children from attending school well nourished and ready to learn, including: hectic morning routines (dual working parents), early morning sports practices, long bus rides (especially for students in the county), and financial difficulties.

What is the Ontario Student Nutrition Program?
The Ontario Student Nutrition Program provides funding and a network of support to assist schools across the province in implementing a healthy snack, breakfast or meal program for students in their community.  The funding is funneled through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and goes to 15 Lead Agencies across the province. In Southwestern Ontario the Lead Agency is The Victorian Order of Nurses.

What is the Children’s Nutrition Network Partnership?
The Children’s Nutrition Network is the local contact group for the Student Nutrition Program across London and Middlesex County. We have a coordinator who works directly with local programs and the community in raising funds and awareness to support the over 120 nutrition programs in our area. The Children’s Nutrition Network is directly affiliated with Investing in Children and is comprised of the following partners: Middlesex- London Health Unit, MayCourt Club, City of London, London District Catholic School Board, Thames Valley District School Board and Cooking for Kids/London InterCommunity Heath Centre

How do we support programs?
  • assistance with the start up of new programs
  • assistance accessing supplementary funding through  the ministry and other available sources including local fundraising initiatives
  • Support a community wide network of schools/ agencies that provide programs, resource materials and training workshops for local programs and volunteers
Why are we so committed to student nutrition programs?
  • Childhood obesity rates are rising at an alarming rate. One out of every 3 children aged 7-13 in Canada is considered either overweight or obese (Tremblay, 2000).
  • Skipping Breakfast increases the risk of overweight and obesity.
  • Only 14% of children between the ages of 9-12 are consuming four or more of the recommended 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day (Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2002).
  • Ministry of Children and Youth Services
  • London Lawyers Feed the Hungry
  • Tim Hortons
  • Start Communications
  • Cargill Cares Committee, Cargil Meats Canada
  • Diane and Bill Thompson
  • Jonathon Bancroft-Snell Gallery