Item - 2018.HL28.5

The Board of Health:

1.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health to consider opportunities to address the identified gaps in student nutrition programs and work with Student Nutrition Ontario - Toronto to develop a plan to address these needs.

2.  Supported and endorsed the call by Senator Art Eggleton and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for a federal universal health school food program.

3.  Requested Ontario-based public health boards to express their support and endorsement for a federal universal health school food program called for by Senator Art Eggleton and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

4.  Directed that the Board of Health's decision and the report (June 28, 2018) from the Medical Officer of Health be forwarded to appropriate federal government officials.

Student nutrition programs are community-based meal and snack programs that operate primarily in schools. Because eating breakfast positively impacts health and increases cognitive ability, most are breakfast and morning meal programs. Student nutrition programs are run locally by students, parents, and volunteers and are funded through multiple sources. Program support is provided by Student Nutrition Ontario - Toronto (formerly called Student Nutrition Toronto), which is a partnership of Toronto Public Health, public school boards, two school board foundations, a community development agent, and community representatives.

In 2012, the City of Toronto renewed its commitment to the student nutrition program by endorsing a vision and increasing funding, demonstrating the value it places on the well-being of Toronto's children and communities. This report summarizes the progress that student nutrition programs have achieved since 2012, and identifies some of the remaining program gaps for future consideration.