JU-P1 - Nutrition

Prairie Spirit School Division recognizes its responsibility to encourage healthy lifestyles and acknowledges the important role that nutrition plays in the total development and performance of the individual. Proper nutrition is essential to a child’s health, learning and growth. Prairie Spirit School Division will promote healthy eating consistent with what is taught in the school curriculum and will take actions to establish healthy habits for a lifetime.

Education is vital to the successful implementation of the Nutrition Policy, and should involve teachers, students, parents / guardians and the school community.  Students shall receive nutrition education that teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote healthy eating habits for a lifetime. The Manitoba Curriculum, in conjunction with Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating, and additional resources from Health Canada will be used to guide decision making.

Prairie Spirit School Division employees and school volunteers have the responsibility to model and encourage healthy food choices.  Foods available in schools shall be in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Manitoba School Nutrition Handbook. Staff, students, and school volunteers planning activities, events, and programs will make decisions that are in accordance with their School Nutrition Policy. Nutrition messages throughout the school shall be consistent with and reinforce the School Nutrition Policy.

This policy does not impact on lunches, snacks, etc., that students or staff members are bringing from home. Students and staff are encouraged to think about healthier food choices in their day to day life.

Under the Public Schools Act, 41(1) Every school board shall:

(b.3) ensure that a written policy respecting school food and nutrition is prepared for each school in the school division or school district, and that

(i) the policy is reviewed at least once in each year by the school's parent advisory council, local school committee or school committee, and

(ii) information about actions taken to implement the policy is reported as part of the school's annual school plan;