What's on the Menu

Many schools sell meals and snacks to students throughout the day. Consider selling options that meet student preferences while following the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy (PPM-150).

PPM-150 applies to all foods and beverages sold to students at school and must be followed at a minimum. The Student Nutrition Program (SNP) Nutrition Guidelines apply to foods offered through student nutrition programs (e.g., breakfast and snack programs). It is suggested to use the SNP Nutrition Guidelines for all food and beverages sold and offered in school since they are the most current and align with the latest Canada’s Food Guide.

PPM-150 and the SNP Nutrition Guidelines are meant to be used for adults making decisions about food and beverages sold to students in the school setting. They should not be used to support student food and nutrition education or to comment on food brought from home. Deciding what to pack in a lunch is the caregivers’/parents’ or student’s responsibility, depending on age and ability.

Follow the 4-step process to take a planned and comprehensive approach to work on this Topic.

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Getting Started

• Do the foods sold represent the cultures of the students and families in the school?
• Do your food and beverage selections include a variety of foods from Canada’s Food Guide?
• Are the food and beverages sold affordable for families? (e.g., how many days per week are foods being sold? How much does each meal cost?)  
• Do your food and beverage selections meet the provincial school food and beverage policy?

Bright Ideas

• Add a fruit or vegetable option to the pasta, pizza, sub and/or burrito days.
• Offer different options other than what you typically sell throughout the year (e.g., burritos, sushi, pasta)
  • When using restaurants and caterers, ask if they are aware of the school food and beverage policy and if the menu options they offer for schools meet the policy.
• Hold a taste test with students to explore new pre-approved menu items that meet the provincial school food and beverage policy.
• Put announcements in the school newsletter to keep parents informed about potential changes to menus.
• Start a school salad bar with a variety of tastes and flavours.
• Survey families to get their feedback (e.g., on the types of food, how often food is sold, price of the foods, etc.).