New Resource Supports Healthy Eating in BC Schools
July 2009
Tips and Recipes for Quantity Cooking: Nourishing Minds and Bodies was created to assist people who prepare food for sale to students - such as food services staff, chef instructors, caterers, school teams, students, Parent Advisory Councils and others - in implementing the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools. It includes tips on how to choose healthy recipes, substitutions to make favourite recipes healthier and a selection of recipes that meet the Guidelines. Many of the recipes are used in school food services and were submitted by dedicated chef instructors and home economics teachers from around the province. "This resource demonstrates it is possible to create and serve a variety of quality meals to students while following the Guidelines", noted Daniel Lesnes, Chef Instructor at Garibaldi Secondary in Maple Ridge and contributor to the resource. "I do not view the Guidelines as a limitation; rather they are an avenue to continue to produce interesting and healthy food." Tips and Recipes for Quantity Cooking: Nourishing Minds and Bodies, a publication of Dietitians of Canada, is available at http://www.healthyeatingatschool.ca/
BC Has a New Trans Fat Regulation
July 2009
As of September 30, 2009, all BC food service establishments must meet regulatory requirements for all food located on the premises, used in preparation, served or offered for sale. Meeting the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools or the Nutritional Guidelines for Vending Machines in BC Public Buildings will help ensure you are meeting the trans fat regulation.
As with the school and public building guidelines, the trans fat restriction does not apply to foods in which the sole source of trans fat comes from dairy products or ruminant meats. Pre-packaged foods that are sold directly to the consumer with a Nutrition Facts table are exempt from the trans fat regulation. However, pre-packaged foods sold in schools and public buildings must continue to meet all of the requirements in the school and public building Guidelines, including restrictions around trans fat content.
For information on the trans fat regulation and how it may be applied to your facility, visit www.restricttransfat.ca or call 8-1-1 to speak to a HealthLink BC Dietitian.
BC Sets National Standard in Promoting Student Health
News Release, September 4, 2007
VANCOUVER – The Province will require 30 minutes of daily physical activity for students and is also fast-tracking the removal of junk food in schools with Canada’s most aggressive initiative yet to fight obesity in children and youth…(more)
BC’s top health organizations, including Dietitians of Canada, unite for $22-million initiative to promote healthy eating
News Release, August 15, 2007
VANCOUVER – Nine BC health organizations who routinely work to improve the health of British Columbians and improve public awareness of specific health issues, today announced they’re joining forces on a $22-million initiative to promote healthy eating, physical activity and a reduction in tobacco use. The initiative is expected to reach nearly one million British Columbians and has been sponsored by the provincial government’s ActNow! BC program. (more)
Dietitians of Canada Recognize ACTNOW BC
News Release, June 27, 2007
VANCOUVER – The Dietitians of Canada have recognized the British Columbia government for its efforts in promoting healthy eating and physical activity through ActNow BC. "Every move is a good move," said Minister of State for ActNow BC Gordon Hogg, as he accepted the award. “Good nutrition is one of the pillars of ActNow BC. By making small changes in diet and exercise, we can improve our quality of life.” At the Dietitians of Canada Conference, the following were recognized: (more)
Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
News Release, 2007
OTTAWA - Health Minister Tony Clement today launched the new 2007 version of Canada's Food Guide -- "Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide" at the Real Canadian Superstore in Orleans, Ontario. The Honourable Christian Paradis, MP for Mégantic--L'Érable and Secretary of State (Agriculture), made a similar announcement at the IGA Extra in Gatineau, Quebec. "Canada's Food Guide has been providing Canadians with straightforward tips and messages on healthy eating for 65 years. Today, Canada's New Government is proud to launch our new Food Guide. It provides the best, most current information available for eating well and living healthy," said Minister Clement. "One important new feature of this Food Guide is that it now offers Canadians information on the amount and types of food recommended for their age and gender."(more) (go to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide)
Artificial Sweeteners: Health Canada’s statements
News Release, 2007
In Canada, food additives such as artificial sweeteners are subject to rigorous controls under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. New food additives (or new uses of permitted food additives) are only permitted once a safety assessment has been conducted and regulatory amendments have been enacted. Several artificial sweeteners have been approved for use in Canada. These include acesulfame-potassium, polydextrose, sucralose, thaumatin and sugar alcohols (polyols) like sorbitol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol and xylitol. (more)
Vancouver, British Columbia
Marketwire - June 7, 2007
A 10-year celebration of successful healthy living programs took place in Vancouver today at the Speaking of Food and Healthy Living Awards, sponsored by Kraft Canada and Dietitians of Canada. Held in connection with the Dietitians of Canada National Conference, the Awards recognized six regional programs for their work in helping Canadians make healthier eating and activity choices. Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools was selected as a regional award recipient for its focus on improving healthy food choices sold to students.
The Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools was developed to improve the healthy food choices sold to students in all school locations, including vending machines, school stores and cafeterias, and at fundraisers and other events. The program is consistent with the Province's goal to eliminate the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in BC schools by 2009 as part of ActNowBC.
"Students on average consume about one-third of their calories at school. A significant amount of the food consumed is purchased on site. Unfortunately, the foods and drinks sold in schools tend to be high in calories and low in nutritional value," says Cathy Richards, a spokesperson for the program. "To be honoured for this initiative helps reinforce the importance of good nutrition as a key component of healthy child development."`