Consistent National School Food Guidelines Needed For Healthier Children, Canada

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 04 Oct 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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Schools play a powerful role in influencing food choices of children and youth. Dietitians of Canada (DC) therefore supports the development and implementation of consistent national guidelines on food served in the school setting recommended in a report released by the Centre for Science in the Public Interest.

DC applauds the work already initiated by many provinces in establishing nutrition guidelines. "However, implementation of guidelines is not a simple matter, says Lynda Corby, DC's Director of Public Affairs. "It requires the dedicated efforts of many stakeholders working together for the health of children - school administrators, teachers, parents, students, dietitians and the food service and food manufacturing industry. Making the switch to healthier foods lower in fat, salt and sugar, and offering smaller portion sizes will take a comprehensive and phased in approach. Dietitians working in public health are a key collaborator with the school community in helping to promote and implement these changes. Unfortunately, many schools have limited or no access to the expertise of dietitians to provide this support," continues Corby.

"Moreover, better national surveillance data is needed to ascertain how children are faring nutritionally, not just from food served at school, but from their overall environment," Corby adds.

Reforming school nutrition policies will not solve the mounting childhood obesity problem. While healthy eating plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of weight problems, physical activity and poverty are other critical elements influencing children's health. Income support measures that ensure all families have the financial means to purchase a healthy diet for their children and themselves would go a long way to improving the health status of Canada's children.

Dietitians of Canada represents more than 5,600 dietitians across Canada and is committed to promoting the health and well-being of consumers through food and nutrition. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC's regular nutrition updates, visit Dietitians of Canada award-winning website at http://www.dietitians.ca.