Set Up Your Program
Step 2:
Gain Support for a SNP & Determine the Right Program for Your School
Supporters and partners are key to developing a successful Student Nutrition Program. The more parents, guardians, school staff and interested community members who are aware of and support the benefits of a SNP - including improved academic performance, higher rates of school attendance, fewer classroom disruptions, improved student behaviour and a more nutritious and healthy diet - the more successful your program will be.
Discuss with parents, guardians, school staff and interested community members the type and delivery model of Student Nutrition Program that will best serve your students:
A. Type of ProgramThere are three types of programs.
- Breakfast - should contain at least one serving from a minimum of 3 food groups of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating with at least one serving from the Vegetables and Fruit food group
- Snack - should contain at least one serving two food groups of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating with at least one serving from the Vegetables and Fruit food group
- Lunch - same as breakfast
There are three delivery models which can be used for either a breakfast, snack or lunch program.
- Bin Model - This popular model consists of providing a bin (usually a plastic bin about 8" high by 12" wide and 24" long) to each classroom which contains either their snack, breakfast or lunch servings. The bin can be picked up from the kitchen and returned by a student monitor. The servings may be distributed according to the teacher's discretion. The bin could be passed around by either the teacher or a student while students are working quietly, or it could be left on a table for students to help themselves. This model can serve a large number of students.
- Grab n' Go - This model is becoming popular in the high schools. Usually, a table of servings is provided on a table at the entrance to the school, supervised and replenished by volunteer(s). When students enter, they may help themselves to the servings. Individual servings can be served in "baggies". This model can serve a large number of students.
- Sit Down - This model varies according to the school facilities. An example would be a breakfast program served by volunteers in an empty classroom or gym. This program usually requires more teacher supervision.
Nutrition programs vary from one school to the next. For example, one school may serve a breakfast program using the bin model. Yet, another school may serve a sit-down breakfast or a grab n' go snack.
Initial feedback can come from staff, parents/guardians and School Councils through discussion of SNPs and the types of program that will best serve your students. A sample cover letter and survey to parents/guardians to gain support for the program, financial contributions and to recruit volunteers are provided in Appendix B.
Student Nutrition Programs:
A Guide to Getting Started Resource Documents
Appendices Available for Individual Download in PDF Format
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