All publicly-funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario are required to comply with the nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in schools, as outlined in the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy (SFBP or PPM 150). The policy applies to food and beverages sold:
- in all venues on school property such as cafeterias, vending machines, and tuck shops;
- through all programs, including catered lunch programs; and
- at all events on school property, including bake sales and sport events.
Food service providers who are interested in selling food and/or beverages in Ontario schools, need to meet the School Food and Beverage Policy nutrition standards. For food service providers in Simcoe and Muskoka, here's what you need to know:
- Each school board has their own nutrition and healthy eating policies that outline the process for complying with the School Food and Beverage Policy. Please contact local school boards directly to find out more information about specific requirements for compliance.
- You will need to assess the food and/or beverages you would like to sell to schools to determine compliance with the nutrition standards. The details about the policy and the reference guide are all available on the Ministry of Education website. The Nutrition Standards Tool is available to assess how products with nutrition facts tables comply with the nutrition standards.
- There are Food Safety requirements for schools that you should be familiar with.
Contact Health Connection if you have any questions about serving food in schools. Call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
