“I am very careful what I feed the kids at home, and I don’t think giving candy at school is a good way of modelling healthy nutrition,” said Remple. “If I had my way I wouldn’t want any of that fast food in the schools.”

Research from the Dietitians of Canada shows that most Canadian children and youth do not eat healthy diets. Kids are less active and more overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Research has also shown that children’s eating habits are greatly influenced by what foods are available in school classrooms, canteens, and cafeterias.

Westpark Middle School in Red Deer has worked with teachers and students over the last four years to make sure that healthy food is served within its walls. The school has also received an Alberta Milk award for improving healthy eating and active living in the school.

Mona Knudslien-Stock, the principal at Westpark, said the school-wide effort to encourage healthy living has involved a lot of hard work from the teachers and students.

[new]

“I have been very impressed with the sacrifice of time and energy on the part of the teachers and with the participation of the students,” said Knudslien-Stock. “We have been successful because everyone works together.”

She pointed to the teachers who play games with the kids at recess. She says junior high students often need encouragement to keep them from standing around. Teachers also eat their lunches with the students in their homerooms.

In 2005–2006, Westpark started a Health Action Team (HAT) with about 10 to 15 students and a nutrition expert from the David Thompson Health Region.

Ideas from these students helped change the food in the school’s Snack Shack from being snacks made of pure sugar to healthier ones. For example, juice and milk are now offered instead of sugary drinks.

With the help of the teachers, HAT hosted a pancake breakfast to show the importance of eating a healthy breakfast. The group also planned “Fabulous Fridays” once a month. The students made snacks, such as wraps or smoothies, for the school and passed out recipes.

Kim Falls, whose daughter goes to the school, said HAT planned one event that really challenged her daughter to eat in a healthier way and to be more active.

The day-long event was called “Living Outside the Box.” Parents and students watched demonstrations on how to make healthy lunches, listened to guest speakers on healthy living, and participated in activities, such as horseback riding, fencing, and boxing, that were held throughout Red Deer.

Living Outside the Box also challenged students to reduce their number of hours of TV and computer time, said Falls.

“My daughter really became aware of her choices and how they affected her, whether it involved TV watching or what she eats,” said Falls. “The choices were put in her lap.”

Falls, who works as a secretary at the school, added that she really notices a difference among the students. “The kids look healthier and happier,” she said.

[new]

Knudslien-Stock believes wholeheartedly in her school’s program. “When kids eat nutritiously, they can be more active and can participate fully in school. It sets up a good pattern for life.”

Knudslien-Stock added she also promotes good role modelling by parents, which is something that Nancy Remple has also found works.

“My daughter’s old enough now that she sometimes tells me she’s glad I didn’t feed her fast food, but it was a real battle because kids want to be like everyone else.”

[endpage]

Learn More

Alberta Coalition for Healthy School Communities
This site offers practical ways to develop and implement healthy eating policies and programs in schools.

Calgary Health Region’s School Nutrition Handbook
This handbook offers ideas for ways for parents, teachers, and school administrators to promote healthy food choices in their school.

Fuel to Xcell Program
This information will help parents and schools find healthy alternatives for food and drinks coming from vending machines.

Healthy Eating Resource Kits
The David Thompson Health Region offers downloadable healthy eating resources for parents.

Ontario School Nutrition Guidelines
This information will help school program providers and parents choose healthy foods for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in order to promote children’s healthy eating habits.

SummerActive School Resource Guide
This resource contains information to be used at home and school and in the community to improve children’s eating choices and increase their levels of physical activity.

Vending Machines in Schools
Products provided by school vending machines can support the health of students and staff. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit describes the steps a school community (including students, parents, and teachers) can take to achieve this goal.