In September, the government of Ontario cracked down on soft drinks, French fries, chocolate bars and other unhealthy foods and beverages. Under the new Health Food for Schools Act, effective September 1^st, 2011, elementary and secondary schools in the province were banned from selling these and other junk foods on their premises. But the policy only goes so far - students will still be allowed to bring junk food to school. 

Jeff Hillman, the superintendent of education for the Greater Essex County District School Board in Windsor said, “I think it's important for us to model the lessons we want students to learn." This makes sense. 

Under the legislation, food and beverages sold in our schools must meet strict nutrition standards, based on “the principles of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s Food Guide”. At least 80 per cent of the school menu must include foods and beverages with “higher levels of essential nutrients,” and “lower levels of fat, sugar, and/or sodium,” such as fruits, and vegetables, according to the policy memo.

Twenty per cent (or less) of the menu can include items with “slightly higher amounts of fat, sugar, and/or sodium,” such as bagels and cheese. However, foods and beverages with “few or no essential nutrients” and/or “high amounts of fat, sugar, and/or sodium,” such as chips and candy, must never be sold in schools.  There is one exception: principals may designate up to 10 days of the year as “special event days.” On these days schools are exempt from following the policy.

Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, nutrition expert and medical director of Ottawa’s Bariatric Institute, is not happy with the policy. He calls it a “half-measure” approach.  “You’re leaving the junk foods in the schools—you’re just getting rid of the incredibly egregious offenders and leaving in the stuff that’s less bad, but still bad,” he said.

For example, “the recommended daily intake of salt for children is 1,200 milligrams daily”, said Freedhoff. Yet, foods and beverages listed in the healthiest 80 per cent category, according to the policy, are still allowed to contain as much as 960 milligrams of sodium. How can this be considered “low sodium?” More importantly, how can this be considered healthy?

The good news?  Unhealthy restaurants are taking notice.  Pizza providers, for instance, have the ability to make their recipes healthier in many ways.  Now some are finally making the effort, in order to meet policy guidelines.

To conclude: while the Health Food for Schools Act may not be as “healthy” as it seems, one thing is clear - it’s definitely a step in the right direction.