N4K Regional Coordinator: Suzanne Ruttan

 What is a Student Nutrition Program (SNP)  Ministry of Child and Youth Services Nutrition Guidelines  General operations within a school or community organization  Fundraising requirements  Forms and reporting  Volunteers  Resources

 Nutritious food helps kids learn. Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program (SNP) responds to that need. By providing healthy breakfasts, snacks, and lunches at many of our schools, kids are better able to concentrate, and get the most out of – and put the most into – their school day. The program is made possible through volunteers and community partnerships.

The Child Nutrition Coalition for Leeds and Grenville began and was sponsored by MDCHC and supported by Breakfast for Learning The program changed its name to Nutrition 4 Kids MCYS became a primary supporter of student nutrition programs in Ontario, allocating $8 million dollars, annually across the province. United Counties of Leeds and Grenville has been a primary financial supporter of N4K since 2006

This is the “quick reference” version of the Nutrition Guidelines. A full copy of the version is available on the N4K website under forms To review the Canada’s Food Guide go to an/food-guide- aliment/index-eng.php

Food Provided Students are offered foods that are fresh, nutritious including vegetables and fruit. Programs avoid serving foods with processed trans-fats. Each community’s nutrition program is different. Your local program may offer one meal or a combination of breakfast, lunch and/or a morning or afternoon snack. Programs are encouraged to follow nutrition guidelines for each meal. Where possible, programs are also encouraged to choose food that is made or grown in Ontario. Universal access to programs No child or youth shall be turned away from a program; The program is available in every region across Ontario; The program adopts a universal approach at each site providing all children and youth with the opportunity to participate in the program regardless of their socioeconomic status.

MCYS Requirement: Vegetables and/or fruit will be offered with every meal and/or snack. Breakfast or Morning Meal – food from 3 out of the 4 food groups (MCYS Food Guidelines) Snack – food from 2 out of the 4 food groups (MCYS Food Guidelines) Food groups: dairy (or alternative), fruit and vegetables, Grain, Meat (or alternative) Popular methods: sit down meals, bin programs in central area, bin program in classrooms Programs available to all students (universal) Programs offered a minimum of 3 times per week

 MCYS is only a seed funder – no intention to be the primary source of funds  Look to your community to support the program  Accept financial along with in-kind and food donations – document all contributions  N4K engages in central fundraising that assists all Leeds and Grenville programs

Data Collection Using a Tracking Form ensures that you collect accurate data on a monthly basis. MCYS requires monthly reports from all SNPs

Part 1 Complete all lines as this information is kept on file for future reference. Part 2 This information is important for determining funding. Complete carefully with as much detail as possible. Part 3 This information can be estimated if you don’t have statistics from previous years or if you are starting a new program. Part 4 This is a requirement for participation in the program. If programs don’t demonstrate fundraising they jeopardize future MCYS funding.

This form is completed on line This form is due on the 15 th day of the month. i.e. November’s report is due on December 15 th. The actual number of meals served Count each student who has used the program in that year. They are counted only once and the number can not exceed the number of students enrolled at the school for that year. Actual number of days in the month that snacks/meals were served

Volunteers are the key to the success of the program Volunteers are school staff, seniors, students, parents and any other community members Follow the 3 R’s of volunteering: Recruit, Recognize and Retain Volunteers must have all the tools they need to ensure that they stay committed to the program

This document provides basic information essential to recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteers. To ensure success each program must customize their strategies to meet the needs of their unique program. MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

 Nutrition 4 Kids  Ministry of Children and Youth Services  Breakfast for Learning  Breakfast Clubs of Canada

Suzanne Ruttan, N4K Regional Coordinator ext 4999 N4K c/o Upper Canada Leger Centre 500 Cumberland Street Cornwall, Ontario, K6J 4K9 Website: