Special to the Sydenham Current
Summer has ended and students are heading back to school. There is much to do and lists to be made. Now that the school supplies are assembled, it is time to think about good nutrition. Children do not learn well when they are hungry or lacking energy. Children need to fuel up on the right food to stay energized and cope with their day, especially at school.
The Chatham-Kent Student Nutrition Program’s main focus is on Nutrition for all Students. Our children have many sources influencing their eating habits. The information bombarding them from media, peers, etc. is very strong. When children have good nutrition their overall health is better.
Food served in our Student Nutrition Programs has to meet the Ministry of Education’s directives to schools. Every meal must include 3 of the 4 food groups and every snack must include 2 of the 4 food groups. We are educating our volunteers to serve foods that are low in salt, fat and sugar and high in fiber and iron. We are checking for appropriate serving sizes and introducing different varieties of fruits and vegetables.
The Chatham-Kent Student Nutrition Program introduced the “Farm to School” project in 2014. Produce is purchased from local farmers, then is picked up and delivered by a local distributor to participating schools across Chatham-Kent. Students were able to try dehydrated kale, sweet potato and apple chips along with mini cucumbers, mini carrots, fresh apples and other wonderful local items. The ongoing evaluation of the program continues to show that students, parents, teachers, and farmers are very pleased with the benefits of fresh farm produce being made available to students. The evaluations also shows that farmers are willing to diversify by growing some new and different items in their greenhouses. This has enabled the introduction of unique items to the students in the program. The on-line ordering process is well received by the schools which has made it easier for Program Coordinators at the schools to secure fresh local produce for the students.
The CK Student Nutrition Program is looking at an exciting year working together with our co-ordinators, volunteers, and the Ontario Student Nutrition Program- South West staff to improve our program. We are thrilled to have local farmers as part of our good nutrition partnership with our schools. Chatham-Kent is truly a caring community that works with all of its citizens for the good of everyone!
