Nutrition Program Types

Offering children and youth nourishing food is one of the most basic ways of contributing to their healthy development and ability to learn. Much research has been done on the topic of nutrition and educational performance and it always comes to the same conclusion; students with full bellies are better able to concentrate and more willing to learn.

HFFT has designed several program types for schools in both the Public and Catholic School Boards to deliver food to their students. All of these programs are universal and all students are encouraged to participate no matter what their financial need. Every school works very hard to determine the best program for their community.

Breakfast Program
Depending on the school, these programs may be grab and go, buffet style or a sit down hot meal. Whatever the style, not only do these programs offer a healthy meal, for many children they also offer a safe place to socialize with friends and volunteers before the beginning of the school day.

Morning Boost

The morning boost program targets kids when they are most hungry- first thing in the morning. Students are allowed to bring a fresh fruit or vegetable from home and eat it at their desk as soon as they enter class in the morning. A bowl containing fresh fruit and a second food group such as crackers, or dry cereal, is also provided for those students who forget to bring something from home.

Healthy Basket Program
A bin of fresh fruit and healthy non-perishable items are placed in every classroom or at stations throughout the school. This allows students access to healthy foods to get them through their day.

Snack Program
Healthy snack programs feed the entire school population all at one time. Volunteers prepare a nutritious and colourful snack that includes a fresh fruit or vegetable and deliver it to every class in the school. Snack programs are a great way to expose students to new and exciting foods that they may never have tried at home.

Emergency Lunch Program

A healthy bagged lunch is prepared by a team of volunteers for any student arriving at school without food to sustain them through the day

High School Meal Card Program
This program feeds at-risk students in a non-stigmatizing way to ensure they consume at least one healthy meal per day for the entire school year. Partnered with Aramark Canada, students receive meal cards that are redeemed at the cafeteria.

Farm to School Program

This program connects schools with local farmers and promotes the importance of eating local. Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered to schools for students to eat along with educational materials that highlight the foods and farmers.