Student Nutrition Ontario

Student Nutrition Ontario

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Heightened food worries linked to worse mental health during COVID-19 pandemic | UBC News

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While food insecurity was already a concern before COVID-19, since the pandemic these concerns have worsened, and many families are struggling. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia and the Canadian Mental Health Association has found that people worried about food supply are nearly twice as likely to experience worsened mental health compared to those that don’t have food supply concerns.* Given the crucial link between food security and mental health, ensuring that children always have access to nourishing food is imperative. Student Nutrition Programs play an important role in providing children with access to food, everyday, in their classrooms.

*To learn more about the study, click here: https://news.ubc.ca/2021/09/23/food-insecurity-worries-worse-mental-health-covid19-pandemic/

Rising food prices see Canadians put less meat in their grocery baskets | Toronto Star

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According to a report from Dalhousie’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, and Caddle, food costs are rising. In particular, the cost of many staples such as meat and dairy have increased.  Now more than ever, it is critical that food insecure children have access to Student Nutrition Programs.

To read more about the report, click here:
https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/09/29/rising-food-prices-see-canadians-put-less-meat-in-their-grocery-baskets.html

https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/09/29/flyers-coupons-and-discounted-food-higher-prices-shift-how-canadians-buy-groceries.html

Close to a million Ontario students will have access to healthy food at school again this year thanks in part to the support of SNO and their partners.

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As students head back to school after a difficult year, many are looking forward to accessing healthy food provided in one of the province’s 4,500+ student nutrition programs. As part of an effort to ensure that every child and youth starts their school day well-nourished and ready to learn, during the last school year close to a million students were served nutritious food in SNO supported programs, either at school or, for virtual learners, at home.

Student Nutrition Ontario (SNO) is a network of 14 lead agencies and 39 community partnerships that exist to provide funding and support to healthy breakfast, snack and lunch programs across the province. With seed funding from the Province of Ontario, SNO lead agencies and their partners work to support the success of local school nutrition programs by teaching healthy habits; offering nutritious foods; and building supportive communities. They are the unified voice that connects an extensive network, enabling students to eat, learn, and succeed.

Last year’s pandemic meant Student Nutrition Programs across the Province had to change the way programs were delivered.  Many challenges were overcome to ensure nutritious food reached as many children as possible.  Volunteers continued to be the program’s lifeblood, making a lasting impact on the future of children. Support from community, provincial and national donors was overwhelming, and we would not have been able to feed students each day, across Ontario, without them.

Student Nutrition Ontario is looking forward to another successful school year! If you would like to help nourish children in Ontario contact your local Student Nutrition Ontario representative. Contact information may be found here.

Catherine Parsonage, Chair
Student Nutrition Ontario
2 Trethewey Drive, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON M6M 4A8
Mobile: 416-809-1832
E-mail:  catherine.parsonage@tfss.ca

How Ontario SNPs are adapting in a time of COVID: Webinar Tues June 1 at 1:00 pm EST

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Join Sustain Ontario and Student Nutrition Ontario on Tuesday June 1st from 1:00-2:30 pm EST for a knowledge exchange session “Nourishing students: How Ontario SNPs are adapting in a time of COVID”.

This 90-minute webinar will focus on how Student Nutrition Programs (SNPs) in Ontario are navigating our current COVID reality to meet the nutrition needs of students.

The following speakers will share their experiences:

After hearing from our speakers, participants will separate into breakout groups to discuss with each other their own challenges or questions including higher costs, limits on volunteers, distributing to at-home learners, ensuring cultural diversity, local sourcing, and food and packaging waste.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpcu6rpzgiEt3ks4OKq2kvAuJqp6U6WANt   

Please reach out if you have any questions:
Carolyn Webb, Sustain Ontario: cwebb@sustainontario.ca
Viviane Degagne, Student Nutrition Ontario: Viviane.Degagne@tfss.ca

Food prices set to rise even more as economy recovers from COVID, experts say | Toronto Star

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Families are facing challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. Many parents are out of work and as families face increased financial strain, keeping food on the table is difficult. At the same time, the cost of food has risen, and will continue to rise*, as the economy begins to recover, putting even more stress on struggling families and their children.

Whether learning in-school or at home, access to nourishing food is crucial for children. 

*For more information on rising food costs, click here:
https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/02/17/food-prices-set-to-rise-as-economy-recovers-from-covid-experts-say.html

COVID-19 hurting Canadians’ food security and mental health: StatCan | National Observer

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A new StatCan report has shown that COVID-19 has increased rates of food insecurity in Canada, which is impacting mental health. Up to 40% of Canadians experiencing food insecurity struggle with mental health challenges. Through Student Nutrition Programs, we are working to support students’ mental health by ensuring they have access to nourishing food, no matter what. 

To read more about the results of the StanCan report, and the impact of food insecurity on mental health, click here: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/12/17/news/covid-19-canadians-food-security-mental-health-statcan

Canadians to pay up to $695 more per year for groceries in 2021, report says | CP24

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This year has been challenging for children and their families. Many parents have lost their jobs due to the impact of COVID-19 and budgets are strained; this at a time when food costs are rising. Next year, a family of four will need to spend $695 more than this year, just to keep food on the table*. Student Nutrition Programs help children access the nourishing food they need to thrive.

 *For more information on the Canada Food Price Report, click here: 
https://www.cp24.com/news/canadians-to-pay-up-to-695-more-per-year-for-groceries-in-2021-report-says-1.5221442