Schools are required to deliver SNPS that are universally accessible and non-stigmatizing.

SNPS are sensitive to faiths and cultures of children, youth, and their families.

SNPs are supported by fundraising and partnership development within the broader community. 

SNPs encourage child and youth participation in the design and delivery of the program where feasible.

Schools or community locations have a safe location to prepare and serve food in accordance with the requirements of the local Public Health Unit.

Schools  agree to serve meals and snacks that meet or exceed Guiding Principles outlined in the Nutrition Guidelines.

One or more coordinator (staff or volunteer) exists to provide oversight and leadership in administering the program in the school or community location.  

Ministry of Children Community and Social Services

Student Nutrition Ontario: 14 Lead Agencies

SNO Central West Region: YMCA of GTA (Peel), Food and Friends (Guelph), Nutrition 4 Learning (Kitchener-Waterloo), and Halton Food for Thought (Halton)

HFFT partners with 167 schools from four schools boards: HDSB, HCDSB, CS Viamonde, and CSC MonAvenir

Halton Food for Thought operates on a cost-sharing model with HFFT Funds and School Generated Funds.

HFFT Funds include national, provincial, regional, and locally-raised funding and is the start-up funding for the Student Nutrition Program.

School Generated Funds: Schools are encouraged to fundraise to ensure their program has the appropriate amount of funding, food, and resources.

Halton Food for Thought receives funding from national, provincial, regional and local sources.

When seeking support for your Student Nutrition Program, check to ensure the organization is not already providing support to your Student Nutrition Program through HFFT.

A list of funding partners is available on the HFFT website www.haltonfoodforthought.com and by asking your HFFT Community Development Manager.

HFFT Annual Breakfast Bash in May is currently HFFT’s major fundraising event. Join us!

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Funds can only be used to support in-school student nutrition programs. This includes funding provided as grocery store gift cards.

HFFT Funds, School Generated Funds*, and all SNP expenditures must appear in your SNP account at your school. *President’s Choice Children’s Charity can be separate but must be shared with HFFT.

All receipts and invoices must be kept at the school in case of audit or questions about purchases. Retain all receipts for gift cards and track gift card balance.

Funds are not for capital improvements to school, permanent fixtures, large appliances, catering, or food that is not in the MCCSS Nutrition Guidelines or small-wares not for your SNP.

Your HFFT CDM will ask for a copy of the account statement three or four times per year including the end of the academic year. HFFT may request the account statement at other times as needed.

HFFT has a School Grants and Fundraiser document with links. Review to see if your school is eligible and ask your CDM for assistance.

Schools can include their Halton Food for Thought Student Nutrition Program on their school’s cash online drop-down menu.

Discuss supporting the Student Nutrition Program with school’s Parent Council. HFFT information materials are available. Talk to your Community Development Manager about presenting to the parent council at your school.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

OFFER WHOLE, FRESH, SEASONAL FRUIT LIKE APPLES, ORANGES, OR PEARS IN A BOWL AT A STATION OR AS PART OF THE GRAB & GO SERVICE.

BREAKFAST: OFFER ONLY ONE TYPE OF PROTEIN LIKE YOGURT, CHEESE OR MILK EACH TIME THE PROGRAM RUNS.

HEALTHY FOOD BINS: REDUCE THE VARIETY AND STICK TO STAPLES LIKE GRANOLA BARS, CRACKERS, FRUIT CUPS, AND APPLESAUCE.

TRACK THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TO DETERMINE BUSIEST DAY TO HELP WITH BUDGET PLANNING.

HAVE STUDENTS BRING A SPOON FROM HOME OR DO A PAPER GOODS AND DISPOSABLES DRIVE.