No more Pizza Day?

Will the junk food ban affect fund raising at schools?

The Ontario Ministry of Education has a "Healthy Schools" initiative that they hope will increase the chances of our provinces children coming out of school healthy and active. You can view their website at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/healthier.html

The latest to come from this is the Junk Food Ban that will start in September 2011 in Ontario Schools. This means that all food and beverages sold in schools for school purposes must meet the nutrition standards set out in the policy. This includes food and beverages sold in all venues (e.g., cafeterias, vending machines, tuck shops), through all programs (e.g., catered lunch programs), and at all events (e.g., bake sales, sports events).

That's a lot. So no more sending you're Super Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies to the school bake sale anymore!

There's a lot of fuss that this will stop schools from some of the fund raising they normally do with Pizza Days, or Donuts with Dad, etc., but there is some limited ability to still have these events. From the Ministry of Educations FAQ on the subject:

" A school principal, in consultation with the school council, may designate up to ten days as special-event days on which food and beverages sold in schools would be exempt from the nutrition standards. Principals are also encouraged to consult with their students in making these decisions.

However, schools are encouraged to consider selling food and beverages that meet the nutrition standards or non-food related items for all celebrations."

Now, it also doesn't stop the school from GIVING away junk food. Which will stop teachers from getting in trouble for handing out chocolates on valentines or candy on Halloween.

Overall, healthier children are what everyone is after. And letting the government control the schools is what we pay them for. It's still more important what YOU pack in your child's lunch every day then what the school is able to sell them.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to post in our forums.