School food programs
School food programs can improve access to nutritious foods at school, build food skills, and connect students to their local food systems. Research shows that providing positive exposures to growing, preparing, and eating food improves food literacy and has a lasting impact on physical and mental health.
Programs and resources
The following programs are examples of provincial programs and resources available to schools in BC and the VCH region.
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Build a School Food Program
BC Ministry of Education and Child Care’s School Meal Program
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BC School Fruit and Vegetables Nutritional Program
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC)
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+ Milk
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC)
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Breakfast program: Apply for support
Breakfast Club of Canada
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Farm to School BC
Public Health Association of BC (PHABC)
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Hands on Food
Farm to School BC, Public Health Association of BC, Interior Health and School District 73
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Harvest Bin Project
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC)
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Spuds in Tubs
BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC)
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Youth Photovoice project
Learn about how youth experienced an improvement in some aspect of their mental well-being due to their hands-on food and gardening experience at school.
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Photovoice project published research
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Traditional foods toolkit
The Nuu-chah-nulth Traditional Foods Toolkit includes six booklets about harvesting and preparing traditional foods on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
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Traditional foods fact sheets
Fact sheets on First Nations traditional foods that include information on harvesting, food uses and nutrition messages.
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Indigenous and Traditional foods in public institutions
Connect students with Elders to learn about harvesting, preparing, and preserving Indigenous and Traditional Foods in Public Institutions.
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Caring about food safety
Free online course – Government of British Columbia
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Food safety courses
Government of British Columbia
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Food safety: easy ways to make food safer
HealthLink BC
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Community Fridges in Schools - Recommendations for Use and Poster
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Self-Serve Food Safety Tips
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