frequently asked questions

 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING A CHILD NOURISHMENT PROGRAM?

  School administrators have reported that students participating in child nutrition programs are:

• Able to concentrate better, retain and apply information more effectively.
  
  
• Less likely to be truant or late for school.
  
  
• More likely to demonstrate positive behaviours in the classroom.
  
  
• More likely to try new fruits and vegetables and develop good nutrition habits that will last a lifetime.
  
  
• More likely to understand the importance of volunteering (because they have observed volunteers preparing them food throughout their school years).

  WHAT HAPPENED TO "BREAKFAST FOR LEARNING"?

  The Breakfast for Learning Foundation still provides funding and support to nourishment programs across Canada. Please check out the   Breakfast For Learning Website for more information.

  In 2005, The province of Ontario set up 15 Regional Lead agencies to administer the 8.5 million dollar grant program supported by the   Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Many of these lead agencies also support Community Partnership Groups that work with   programs at a local level.

  ARE THESE PROGRAMS JUST FOR CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY?

  No! Health Promotion is the primary philosophy fueling the rapid expansion of local child nourishment programs. Parents, teachers and   school administrators are realizing that many children do not consume a healthy diet as recommended by the Canadian Food Guide.   School nourishment programs offer a wonderful opportunity for all children to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables they need to   fuel their young minds and to develop life long healthy eating patterns.

  DO PARENTS HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE PROGRAMS?

  It is our mission to ensure that all children have access to nutritious food regardless of their ability to pay. Parents who are able are   asked to make a minimal financial contribution to ensure the sustainability of their child’s program. Because they are buying in bulk,   many programs are able to provide a nutritious snack for far less then 55 cents a day or a nutritious breakfast for less then .85 cents a day! This can be a wonderful alternative to expensive sugary snacks and cereals that many parents already buy.

  WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO ENSURE THAT MY CHILD IS RECEIVING THE ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR   HIS OR HER OPTIMAL PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT?

  Fostering nutritious eating and healthy lifestyle habits is important for the whole family! Check out these websites for more information:

• Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating.
  
  
• Recipes for Nutrition power: Health on the go!
  
  
• Kinderstart: Nutrition: Because kids don't come with instructions.
  
  
• Healthy Kids, Active Kids Sources and Resources.
  
  
  

  CAN A NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST REALLY AFFECT MY CHILD’S ABILITY TO LEARN?

  Yes! Food provides the energy children need to grow, learn, think, talk, run, jump and play. It is the driving fuel necessary for building a   strong and healthy body. Every single breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack a child consumes is another opportunity to provide the   essential building blocks for their body and brain to develop properly.

  If the deliveries of necessary nutrients don’t arrive, your child’s body   slows down – and so does the child!! There also exists a food -   mood   relationship in which certain foods can provide immediate "feedback"   information to the body. Food can make a child feel full,   satisfied, happy   and re-energized, or tired, drowsy, irritable, hyperactive or impulsive. A   healthy snack or breakfast program at school   will ensure your child is   well nourished and ready to learn!

  WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT PREVENT CHILDREN FROM CONSUMING A NUTRITIONAL DIET?

• Limited access to nutritious foods for people living on a low income.
  
  
• Limited exposure to a variety of healthy foods that appeal to their taste buds!
  
  
• Increased responsibility for food selection among "latch-key" kids.
  
  
• Challenges of hectic routines such as sports practices and lengthy bus rides do not always allow time for the preparation and consumption of nutritious meals.
  
  
• An obsessive concern about weight and dieting.
  
  
• Influential media campaigns targeting children and youth with the message that fast foods and sugary treats can be a perfectly acceptable substitute for “real food”.

  WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CURRENT HEALTH TRENDS RELATED TO IMPROPER CHILDHOOD NUTRITION?

  Childhood Obesity is an increasing health crisis for Canadian children. A national survey taken in 1999 showed the incidence of obesity   among adults and children has risen nearly 50 percent since 1981. As defined by federal standards, approximately 30 percent of adults   and 26 percent of children are considered obese today. This dramatic increase is paralleled by a rise in these related health problems:

• Obese children have a high incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease, and asthma. One of the most severe problems for obese children is sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while sleeping). In some cases this can lead to problems with learning and memory.
  
  
• Obese Children and adolescents have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes (also known adult onset diabetes).


• Many obese children have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
  
  
• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
  
  

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