School Nutrition Programs | HKPR District Health Unit

The HKPR District Health Unit believes that nourishing young minds and bodies is paramount for optimal learning, growth, and play. Our team strives provide parents, caregivers, and educators with the essential knowledge and resources they need to ensure children receive the nutrients and energy required to thrive. Join us in building a foundation of well-being that empowers children to learn, grow, and play to their fullest potential through healthy eating.

Healthy Eating at School

Nourishing our bodies with healthy foods is vital for success both in and out of the classroom. That's why we're committed to promoting a culture of healthy eating among students.

Healthy Eating from the Start

Help children (or learning eaters) enjoy new foods over time by allowing them to develop a taste for it at their own pace. They eat best when they and their parents each follow their jobs in feeding:  

Parents/caregivers decide:   

What foods to offer   
When to offer meals and snacks 
Where your child eats

Children decide:   

Which foods to eat (from the foods you have served them);   
How much to eat (trust your child knows when they are hungry or full!)

Did you know?  Labelling food as “healthy” or “unhealthy” does not help learning eaters. In fact, it may make them less likely to try certain foods as they assume they are less tasty.  Rather, talk about how all sorts of food can give pleasure, social connection, and energy to grow, play and learn. 

Have nutrition questions? Contact a Registered Dietitian for free at Health Connect Ontario.   

Dial 8-1-1 or visit Health Connect Ontario | Health Connect Ontario (gov.on.ca) to start an online chat.   

Start with Breakfast

Try these breakfast ideas: 

Yogurt with frozen berries
Veggie omelette with whole grain toast
Oatmeal with sliced apple and chopped nuts or seeds.

Packing a Lunch

Vegetables and fruits should make half of what you pack for your child’s school lunch. Be sure to include whole grain foods and protein foods.   

Lunch ideas: 

Pasta salad, hard-boiled egg and carrots 
Bean chili, bun and orange slices 
Whole grain wrap, with soy or seed butter and canned fruit (packed in water or 100% juice, drained)

Snack ideas:  

Whole grain crackers and cheese with sliced peppers
Apple slices with whole grain muffin and roasted chickpeas 
Sliced cucumber with hummus and pita wedges

Send a reusable water bottle to school each day. Water is the best choice to help students stay hydrated.  

Keep cold foods cold! Pack an ice pack.  
Keep hot foods hot! Use a thermos.

Healthy Eating for Children Resources

School Nutrition Programs

School Nutrition Programs ensure all children and youth have access to healthy, nutritious, safe, and personally acceptable food in a non stigmatized environment that is accessible to optimize their health and learning at school.

Northumberland Food For Thought

Northumberland Food For Thought (NFFT) works to ensure all children in Northumberland County attend school well nourished and ready to learn.
More information

Food for Kids City of Kawartha Lakes

Food For Kids works to ensure all children and youth have access to healthy, nutritious, safe, and personally acceptable food to optimize their learning at school.
More information

Food for Kids County of Haliburton

Food For Kids works to ensure that all children and youth have access to healthy, nutritious, safe and personally acceptable food in a non stigmatized environment that is universally accessible to optimize their health and learning at school.
More information

Need more Information?

The HKPR District Health Unit’s School Health team uses a Healthy Schools approach to work with school communities and help address the needs of children, youth and families.

Contact our School Health Team at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1508, or schoolhealth@hkpr.on.ca if you need additional help.

Email Us!