The goal of a student nutrition program is to ensure that students who are at risk for poor nutritional intake have access to safe, adequate and nutritious food during the school day. Student nutrition programs provide nutritious meals and snacks to students to give them the nutrients and energy they need to be ready to learn. Every day, over 211,000 Toronto students participate in student nutrition programs.
Student nutrition programs are a cost effective way to promote health and learning among children and youth. Although they can’t replace adequate income support, they can:
All participants benefit from student nutrition programs, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Student nutrition programs work best when they are available to all students within a school community.