Item - 2013.HL24.5
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Health on September 30, 2013 and was adopted with amendments.
HL24.5 - Student Nutrition Program Update on the First Year of the Five-Year Plan and 2014 Operating Budget Request
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health:
1. Endorsed the request for a $214,135 net increase to the Toronto Public Health 2014 Operating Budget to cover the increased cost of food for existing student nutrition programs.
2. Endorsed the request for an additional net increase of $1,163,084 to the Toronto Public Health 2014 Operating Budget to be allocated to existing student nutrition programs to increase the City's investment rate to 14% of total program costs from 11.5% in 2013, providing greater stability to existing programs.
3. Endorsed the request for an additional net increase of $394,241 to the Toronto Public Health 2014 Operating Budget to extend municipal funding to 27 additional schools in higher need communities to open new student nutrition programs in 2014.
4. Forwarded the report (September 16, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Budget Committee with the Toronto Public Health 2014 Operating Budget Request for consideration.
5. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report to the Board of Health on options to strengthen the governance of the Student Nutrition Programs to enhance future capacity for fundraising, accountability, efficiency, and quality assurance, and to best position the program for future growth and success in achieving child health and education objectives.
6. Requested the Province of Ontario to support the recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel with respect to establishing a school nutrition program for all Ontario schools where students will benefit from this key nutrition strategy.
7. Requested the Province of Ontario to increase its grant funding investment proportionally to match increased City investment.
8. Requested the Federal Government to provide core funding for the Student Nutrition Program in Toronto to match the City's investment.
9. Forwarded the report (September 16, 2013) from the Medical Officer of Health to the Premier of Ontario, the Ontario Ministers of Children and Youth Services, Health and Long-Term Care, and Education, the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, le Conseil scolaire Viamonde, le Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, and the Angel Foundation for Learning.
Origin
Summary
In 2012, the Board of Health endorsed a five-year plan to stabilize and expand student nutrition programs in Toronto. City Council approved a funding enhancement to the Student Nutrition Program for the first year of the plan in 2013.
This report provides a progress update on the first year of the plan and outlines a request to increase the 2014 Operating Budget for the second year by $1,771,460 aimed at covering inflationary increases, incrementally increasing the City's investment to 14% of total program costs, and funding for 27 new programs in schools serving higher need communities. The report also outlines the mechanisms in place which form the accountability framework providing oversight of the City's investment in the program, and proposes that a review of options for strengthening program governance be undertaken to strategically position the Student Nutrition Program for future investment and expansion.
Student nutrition programs are currently supported through a cost-shared partnership funding model between parents/community, municipal, provincial, and private sectors. An increase in the municipal investment demonstrates the City's commitment to the nutritional health of children and youth and clearly signals a call to action to other sectors and levels of government.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-61646.pdf
(September 16, 2013) Appendix 1 - Summary of Proposed Municipal Investments to Stabilize and Expand Student Nutrition Programs in Toronto, revised June 2013
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-61674.pdf
(September 16, 2013) Appendix 2 - Toronto Student Nutrition Programs - Summary of Municipal and Provincial Funding 1998-2013
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-61675.pdf
Speakers
Motions
1. That the Board of Health request the Province of Ontario to support the recommendation of the Healthy Kids Panel with respect to establishing a school nutrition program for all Ontario schools where students will benefit from this key nutrition strategy;
2. That the Board of Health request the Province of Ontario to increase its grant funding investment proportionally to match increased City investment; and
3. That the Board of Health request the Federal Government to provide core funding for the Student Nutrition Program in Toronto to match the City's investment.