ONTARIO’S ACTION PLAN FOR HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING: Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program
The primary goals of the program are to increase awareness and consumption of fruits and vegetables for elementary school-aged children, and educate elementary school-aged children and their families about the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, and the associated benefits of healthy eating and physical activity to overall health.
In 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years, MHP expanded the program within Porcupine and to the Algoma Region, including the communities of Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Elliot Lake and Blind River. Approximately 12,000 children in 60 elementary schools in the Porcupine and Algoma regions are receiving three servings of fruit and vegetables each week.
The provision of fruits and vegetables in combination with education materials appears to positively impact students' overall fruit and vegetable intake, their willingness to try fruits and vegetables, and their self-efficacy.
- Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program Report (PDF)
- Backgrounder (PDF)
- News Releases
- More Than 1,200 Schools Rise To The Healthy Schools Challenge (May 4, 2007)
- McGuinty Government Issues Healthy Schools Challenge (December 11, 2006)
- Ontario Launches Pilot Program to Deliver Fruits and Vegetables
to Children In the North (September 15, 2006) - Ontario Pilot Program Delivers Fruits And Vegetables To Young People (September 15, 2006)
