Food nourishes the body and gives us energy to get through each day. Healthy eating is fundamental to good health and is a key element in healthy human development, from the prenatal and early childhood years to later life stages. Healthy eating is equally important in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.
Tools, templates and resources that can help build healthy school communities.
Resources to develop or renew school nutrition policies.
Resources and ideas for including more nutritious foods in school-based activities and spaces.
Ideas for creating positive eating environments at school and outside of school.
Resources and tools for including nutrition education into classroom learning.
Resources and tools for cooking, menu planning, grocery shopping, and food safety.
Resources and ideas related to sustainable food practices such as school community gardens, agriculture in the classroom, and composting.
Ideas for healthy school fundraisers (including vending machines), classroom celebrations, and non-food rewards.
Resources for promoting a positive body image, self-esteem and healthy weights.
Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) uses a Comprehensive School Community Health approach to support schools and school divisions to develop and/or renew policy and administrative procedures related to child and youth nutrition. The renewal includes Saskatchewan voices and cultural considerations, updated references, suggested resources, guidelines for policy development, and food safety health practices. A number of supporting resources are designed to assist the school, families, and community to work together to enhance the nutrition environment for students. Also available in French.
Access the recorded webinar to learn more about Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) and the role of Public Health Nutritionists in supporting school divisions.
A tool to support the development, revision, implementation and evaluation of the school nutrition policy and administrative procedures using a CSCH approach. This tool can be used as a self-reflective assessment to provide information about current school nutrition environments, identify strengths and areas for improvement and to measure progress. Also available in French.
The Healthy School Planner is a free tool that schools can use to assess the current health environment and build a plan to make improvements.
Tools, templates and resources that can help guide you through the 6-step process for building healthy school communities.
Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) uses a Comprehensive School Community Health approach to support schools and school divisions to develop and/or renew policy and administrative procedures related to child and youth nutrition. The renewal includes Saskatchewan voices and cultural considerations, updated references, suggested resources, guidelines for policy development, and food safety health practices. A number of supporting resources are designed to assist the school, families, and community to work together to enhance the nutrition environment for students. Also available in French.
Access the recorded webinar to learn more about Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) and the role of Public Health Nutritionists in supporting school divisions.
Healthy eating guidelines poster based on Canada's Food Guide. Also available in French.
Use this resource as a guide to plan menus for your school breakfast, lunch, and snack programs as well as your cafeteria. It will help you to ensure your school menus are aligned with Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well. This resource can also be used to help plan the food served at sporting events, classroom celebrations or other activities. Also available in French.
Safe and nutritious food can help children learn well in school and can help support healthy growth and development. The Food Safety for my School guide helps schools understand what safe food handling practices are and why they are important. It includes information on how to make sure that food offered to students is obtained, stored, prepared, cooked and served in a safe manner. Also available in French.
This Healthy Foods For My School guide helps schools choose and provide healthy food and beverage options for students. It includes information on food groups, nutrition standards and how to read food labels. Also available in French.
Use this resource as a guide to plan menus for your school breakfast, lunch, and snack programs as well as your cafeteria. It will help you to ensure your school menus are aligned with Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well. This resource can also be used to help plan the food served at sporting events, classroom celebrations or other activities. Also available in French.
This tool can be used by people in recreation settings who serve, sell and/or promote food and have influence over these decisions; and used to determine foods of higher nutritional value to offer in your recreation setting. The website has a list of research and resources to support healthy food and drinks in recreation settings.
Contact your local health authority or health representative to find registered dietitians in your area to ask about or request a workshop.
Nutrition Positive is an initiative to help students eat, feel, and do better in school. Through programs, resources and support for curriculum enhancement and school food policy, Nutrition Positive aims to create a healthy food environment in schools.
It is guided by a partnership between the local school divisions, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, CHEP Good Food, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, and the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Nutrition.
The School Nutrition Mentoring Project brings an expert nutrition mentor and registered dietitian into participating schools in northern Saskatchewan. These experts work side-by-side with a local school nutrition worker, to improve the quality of the food served to students and advocate for healthy eating habits and healthy food choices.
Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) uses a Comprehensive School Community Health approach to support schools and school divisions to develop and/or renew policy and administrative procedures related to child and youth nutrition. The renewal includes Saskatchewan voices and cultural considerations, updated references, suggested resources, guidelines for policy development, and food safety health practices. A number of supporting resources are designed to assist the school, families, and community to work together to enhance the nutrition environment for students. Also available in French.
Access the recorded webinar to learn more about Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) and the role of Public Health Nutritionists in supporting school divisions.
Schools who adopt reverse lunch have students play and be active first, and then come in to eat lunch. Schools may observe the following benefits: better behaviour; students eating their lunch and wasting less; less litter; and calmer transition from lunch to classroom activities.
Comfortable Cafeterias have three main goals: improve learning, behavior and student health. Some best practices for ensuring a comfortable and pleasant environment for students to eat is 1) a Recess Before Lunch schedule, 2) adequate time to eat and 3) a school philosophy regarding mealtime. The webinar entitled: “Comfortable Cafeterias” covers the above topic in greater detail giving guidance and implementation specifics. The website has links to download tools to assist you in implementing both Recess Before Lunch and Comfortable Cafeterias.
What School Personnel and Parents Need to Know
WHAT food to pack - Parent's job
WHEN & WHERE kids eat - School's job
WHETHER & HOW MUCH to eat - Child's job
This guide presents possible courses of action for municipalities wishing to improve the food environment of children by limiting the presence of fast-food restaurants near schools, with the objective of promoting public health and well-being through sound land-use planning and an appropriate spatial distribution of commercial uses.
Explore Canada's Food Guide with links to Canada's dietary guidelines; evidence behind Canada's Food Guide; healthy eating recommendations; ordering resources; and more.
As part of Canada’s Food Guide revision, Health Canada is currently working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to support the development of healthy eating tools. Along with the new 2019 Canada’s Food Guide, you can still use the current Canada’s Food Guide - First Nations, Inuit and Métis as a trusted source of information on healthy eating.
Tips for how to teach food literacy. Food literacy means having the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to choose, grow, prepare and enjoy healthy food to support one’s health, community and the environment.
In recognition of World Food Day (October 16 annually), elementary schools organize The Big Crunch – a celebration of healthy eating, local food, and school community spirit. At 11 a.m. on the day of The Big Crunch, students taking part in assemblies or classroom activities all bite into a locally grown carrot in unison, in a CRUNCH heard around the city or town! Schools are encouraged to participate in activities during the week leading up to the event, promoting nutrition and highlighting the “journey of the carrot” from seed to garden to plate.
The School Age sub-committee of the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan have developed SK health and physical education curricula support documents for grades 1-8, physed 20/30 and Health Science 20 called "Teaching Nutrition in Saskatchewan: Concepts and Resources (TNS)," et en Français "Enseignement de la nutrition en Saskatchewan (ENS): concepts et ressources."
Food is an important aspect of current and historical First Nations and Métis culture. Learning about the history of treaties and their impact on First Nations and Métis foods and related practices can support the school's food environment to become more inclusive of First Nations and Métis students and their families (Treaty Education Outcomes and Indicators, 2013).
These documents link to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education Health Education Curriculum, and assist educators in identifying accurate and high-quality nutrition information and links to classroom activities, videos, handouts and other resources to help meet the SK Health Education Outcomes for each grade.
This website has a multitude of nutrition support information for educators such as a toolkit for nutrition month; school newsletters related to nutrition and healthy eating; curriculum support documents; school nutrition posters; "The Big Crunch" program; school nutrition activities and ideas; healthy school concessions and canteens; and school gardening.
A website with information, recommendations, research findings, practical recommendations, and interactive models that educate about cancer and related food/nutrition considerations, such as eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans; limiting red and processed meats; limiting 'fast foods'; and limiting sugary drinks.
REACH offers a variety of education programs focused on cooking healthy and affordable recipes, geared for a variety of age groups:
After-School Cooking: This free program is run at a variety of schools in Regina-generally for students in Grade 5-once a week for approximately 5 weeks. The focus of this one hour after-school program is basic, healthy snack preparation.
Community Kitchens: This is a program for individuals to come together, cook as a group, eat lunch together and take leftovers home. Participants cook large batches of several recipes that are affordable, healthy and simple!
Community Kitchen Training: This training opportunity is provided by REACH once or twice a year. For $25, participants can register to learn the basics of setting up and facilitating a community kitchen or cooking program. The cost of registration includes: beverages, snacks, lunch and a resource binder.
Check with your local dietitian to see if any kids cooking programs are being offered in your area.
Chefs in Training is a five-week after school program for students age 10 to 15 at local participating schools. Students learn about safe food handling, kitchen safety, food preparation, and how to read and make a variety of recipes. These future chefs gain confidence in the kitchen, learn how to make healthy choices, and get to take home nutritious food for their families. CHEP also has a variety of other children's nutrition programs.
Check with your local dietitian to see if any kids cooking programs are being offered in your area.
Create a menu plan based on several goals (vegetarian, budget friendly, active lifestyle, kid approved, etc.), view your shopping list and download and print your recipes and lists.
Kids’ genuine enthusiasm isn’t the only great thing about cooking in the classroom: there’s a lot to learn about and to teach. Science, math, reading, communication, history, and food systems can easily be woven into a cooking class. This website includes basic steps to consider when you are cooking in the classroom.
On UnlockFood.ca you’ll find information on nutrition, food and healthy eating as well as recipes, videos and interactive healthy eating tools. The website includes much information on cooking, planning meals, eating mindfully, planning with food culture and traditions, grocery shopping, reading labels, being aware of food marketing, etc. Also available in French.
Learn how to make quick, healthy, and affordable food choices the next time you grocery shop. Take the virtual tour!
Check with your local grocery store or a registered dietitian to see if they provide school tours.
Public Health Inspectors employed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority inspect restaurant type facilities, food processing facilities and slaughter plants. They are also involved in other food activities such as farmers' markets, food retail, food distribution and home food processing operations to investigate complaints or potential food borne illness linked to these activities.
Safe and nutritious food can help children learn well in school and can help support healthy growth and development. The Food Safety for my School guide helps schools understand what safe food handling practices are and why they are important. It includes information on how to make sure that food offered to students is obtained, stored, prepared, cooked and served in a safe manner.
The website includes a variety of food safety classroom materials, including curricula and student activities, for teachers for grades K through 12.
Guidelines for school garden or greening projects including the rationale and benefits, and promising practices to guide your project.
An indoor gardening program that equips teachers with the tools, skills and training to grow classroom gardens. A Little Green Thumbs garden supports inquiry-based, hands-on and cross-curricular learning. Youth unlock the magic of food and agriculture education and explore the connections between their health, environment and food system.
Gardening tips for pruning, pinching, pollinating, painting rocks and building a bug hotel!
Learn how composting and grasscycling are easy ways to reduce your amount of household garbage and create nutrient-rich soil for your yard.
Learn more about backyard composting, indoor composting and other composting options.
Learn about various composting methods and what style is right for you.
Agriculture in the Classroom partners with the agriculture and education communities to connect kids and agriculture through innovative, experiential, curriculum-based programs and resources.
Farm to School (F2S) brings healthy, local food into schools, and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that foster food literacy, all while strengthening the local food system and enhancing school and community connectedness. Farm to School empowers students and school communities to make informed food choices while contributing to vibrant, sustainable, economically viable regional food systems that support the health of people, place and planet. Farm to School looks different in each school throughout Canada and new models are continually emerging based on the creativity and existing partnerships in school communities.
A list of resources, including short inspirational videos, comprehensive toolkits, and hands-on activities was compiled as part of the 2019 Farm to School Month celebration, in order to engage and empower students in learning and taking action. Many of the resources outline activities that can be done in the classroom, at home, or in the community; and while some are developed with specific audiences or age groups in mind, many of them are informative for all ages!
The Nourish Curriculum Guide offers a rich set of resources to open a meaningful conversation about food and sustainability. The materials contain a viewing guide, seven learning activities, student handouts, a bibliography, and a glossary. The Nourish curriculum and a companion DVD may be used in social studies, science, health, or English classes. Activity themes include The Story of Food; Seasonal, Local Food; Food Traditions; Food and Ecosystems; Analyzing Food Ads; School Lunch Survey; and Action Projects.
R4R.ca provides immediate access to more than 1000 quality classroom resources. Developed by Learning for a Sustainable Future, R4R.ca connects teachers to lesson plans, books, videos and other materials that explore the environmental, social and economic dimensions of important issues and events unfolding in our world today. R4R resources have been reviewed by experienced classroom teachers and matched to relevant curriculum outcomes for each province and territory. Also available in French.
Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) uses a Comprehensive School Community Health approach to support schools and school divisions to develop and/or renew policy and administrative procedures related to child and youth nutrition. The renewal includes Saskatchewan voices and cultural considerations, updated references, suggested resources, guidelines for policy development, and food safety health practices. A number of supporting resources are designed to assist the school, families, and community to work together to enhance the nutrition environment for students. Also available in French.
Access the recorded webinar to learn more about Nourishing Minds: Eat Well – Learn Well – Live Well (2019) and the role of Public Health Nutritionists in supporting school divisions.
Fundraising is important to support school activities. Help reinforce healthy living messages taught in the classroom and at home by choosing: a non-food fundraiser, or a food fundraiser that meets the Healthy Foods for My School guidelines.
A not-for-profit organization that facilitates selling locally-sourced foods for school and daycare fundraisers in Saskatchewan and other provinces.
Nutritious meal and snack ideas for classroom celebrations.
Alternatives to food rewards to motivate or encourage children without creating an unhealthy relationship with food.
Vending machines are a common resource for schools to generate revenue to support activities, equipment, programs and events. While vending machines can generate profit, there are some considerations to make before purchasing one. Considerations include: school nutrition guidelines in place, consumer demand, maintenance, marketing, implementation, time, and capacity. Typically, vending machines do not support a healthy food environment, but they have the opportunity to do so. This report will outline the importance of a healthy school food environment on student health and learning outcomes and how vending machines can follow nutrition guidelines while still making a profit.
Looking for ways to promote a positive body image and self-esteem in young girls and boys and you!? Try some of these activities, lesson plans, and strategies at home, in the classroom, with family, colleagues and friends.
Beyond Images includes free online lesson plans for grades 4 through 8 which fill a gap in media literacy curricula nationally and include activities that make a positive difference in combating appearance-based bullying and negative stereotypes. The curriculum provides the opportunity to explore key issues in today’s society around body image and self-esteem as well as media messaging, while developing critical thinking skills. Revised for 2016, the Beyond Images program is a powerful tool in creating authentic learning opportunities for students in the classroom, and fits nicely into collaborative inquiry opportunities in junior and intermediate classrooms. Body Images is also available in French.
This resource is written for education professionals working in schools to assist them in understanding eating disorders, promoting health and well-being within their schools, recognizing and responding to eating disorders, and supporting students who are undergoing treatment for an eating disorder. The resource encourages a whole-school approach to eating disorders.
This website contains variety of teacher resources and classroom tools (lesson plans, tip sheets, tutorials, workshops, guides, games) about body image and media that can be searched by media type (internet, movies, music, television, video games).
An evidence-based Canadian site that includes a teacher training module designed to help alert teachers (and parents) to the factors that can trigger unhealthy dieting among children, and ways to prevent it. Learning modules includes: media and peer pressure; healthy eating; active living; teasing; adult role models; and school climate.
Website with resources, handouts, discussion guides, videos, research, etc., addressing weight bias in the classroom, how to reduce bias among students, school climate and bullying and more.
This report can be used by decision makers and organizations to:
• allocate funds for nutrition programs, food grants and food allowances;
• inform decisions regarding health, nutrition and social policy development and implementation;
• support further assessment and monitoring of regional barriers and cost differences affecting healthy food access; and
• promote access to nutritious, safe, and personally acceptable foods.
Foods and beverages served in childcare settings, schools and community programs can affect children’s health and well-being. The cost of foods, as well as available program funding and budgets, impact the type of foods and beverages served. This resource shows the average cost of healthy meals and snacks for children and youth in Northern and Southern Saskatchewan. Using these average costs can help childcare facilities, schools, and community organizations budget for child nutrition programs.
Support youth and community well-being through the collaborative action of community partners working together. Through evidence, tools and resources, SAYCW supports stakeholders to turn the knowledge gained through the youth health survey into health promoting action.
Youth-focused Mental Health Action Report shines light on challenges and ignites movement for solutions
A new report released this week is bringing attention to mental health challenges faced by more than 10,000 youth across the province—and actions at the grassroots level to ignite change.
This report provides a brief review of the scientific literature on COVID-19 and its effects on youth health, with particular emphasis on mental health. SAYCW shares relevant data from the pre-pandemic, 2019 SAYCW survey – these findings show how stressors and unhealthy behaviours that have been worsened by the pandemic (e.g., worry, connection with others, screen time, etc.) had impacted Saskatchewan youths’ health and well-being prior to the pandemic. Suggested health promotion actions to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and improve youth health and well-being are also shared.
