Outline 1. Introduction to the Eat Smart! ® Program 2. Eat Smart! ® School Program Rationale 3. Eat Smart! ® School Program Standards 4. How Eat Smart! ® School Program Works 5. Eat Smart! ® School Program Promotional Materials 6. Conclusion 7. Next Steps

1. Introduction to Eat Smart! ® Began in 1999 as Eat Smart! ® Ontario’s Healthy Restaurant Program Eat Smart! ® School and Workplace Cafeteria Programs were launched in 2001 Eat Smart! ® Recreation Centre Program was pilot tested in 2008 and launched provincially in 2010

Program Standards Eat Smart! ® School Program is an Award of Excellence program that recognizes and promotes schools that meet exceptional standards in: – Nutrition – Food Safety – Smoke-Free School Consistent requirements that schools must meet in order to achieve the award

Program Goal To contribute to the reduction of food-borne illness and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease in Ontario This goal is met by: Encouraging schools to achieve the program standards and join Eat Smart! ® Providing environmental support for students, staff and visitors to make healthier food choices when eating away from home

Target Groups The beneficiaries of the Eat Smart! ® program include: Students Administration and Teachers Visitors School groups and clubs Food service staff

The Eat Smart! ® team Eat Smart! ® is implemented at the local level by Ontario’s public health departments/units The Nutrition Resource Centre (NRC) provides provincial coordination and centralized development of program materials The Ministry of Health Promotion provides provincial funding to support the program

Provincial Partners Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division) Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario

Eat Smart! ® Provincial Advisory Committee Drawn from key stakeholders and program implementers Supports NRC’s work in the coordination of the Eat Smart! ® program Helps guide program direction and priorities

2. Eat Smart! ® School Program Rationale Why an Eat Smart! ® School Program? Teach students about nutrition Help students to form healthy eating habits Support the health lessons being taught in the classroom Recognition in your community

3. Eat Smart! ® School Program Standards Nutrition Food Safety Smoke-Free Environment

Nutrition Standard Developed to support Canada’s Food Guide Schools recognized for offering: – A variety of lower fat and nutritious food choices on the menu – Accommodating requests for certain modifications/substitutions to create healthier food choices

Nutrition Standard (cont’d) More specifically: On the Menu At least 75% of sandwich type choices must be whole grain At least 6 choices of vegetables & fruit At least 1 meat or ‘meat alternative’ dishes prepared and served in a lower fat way At least 4 lower fat milk products All daily specials contain at least 3 food groups

Nutrition Standards (cont’d) By Request (at no extra cost): (some examples) A substitute for French fries if fries are served as part of an entree Fat based condiments are lower fat Tap water is available at all times + several others

Food Safety Standard Complies with the Ontario Food Premises Regulations on the date of inspection Has a history of compliance with Ontario Food Premises Regulation (at least 12 months) Has no pending charges or convictions over the past year Not confirmed as source of food-borne illness over past year Minimum of 1 full-time employee certified in safe food handling Consents to sharing inspection reports with customers upon request

Smoke-Free Standard All schools applying for the Eat Smart! ® award must be 100% smoke-free and in compliance with Smoke-Free Ontario Act and not sell any tobacco or tobacco products

4. How Eat Smart! ® School Program Works School applies to the local public health unit Applications reviewed / assessed – Food safety inspection – Safe food handlers training organized as necessary – Assessment of Smoke-Free Standard – Menu review by public health dietitian

How Eat Smart! ® School Program Works (cont’d) School is awarded and recognized School must re-apply every year

Recognizing Eat Smart! ® Schools Provincial Eat Smart! ® website School listing- Public Health Unit’s website Local award ceremonies and media coverage

Award Certificate

5. Eat Smart! ® School Program Promotional Materials Posters Locker Mirrors Staff education pamphlets

6. Conclusion Becoming an Eat Smart! ® School means that You will strengthen your image within your community as being proactive about your students’ health You will belong to a province wide program endorsed by both the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation You will have promotional opportunities and gain positive media attention

7. What’s next Contact your local Public Health Unit ENTER CONTACT DETAILS HERE