Understanding PPM 150: Healthy Food Standards for School Lunches

Introduction

Ensuring students have access to nutritious, balanced meals is essential for their overall health, well-being, and academic performance. In Ontario, Policy/Program Memorandum No. 150 (PPM 150) sets the standard for the types of food and beverages that can be sold or provided in publicly funded schools, including hot lunch programs, cafeteria services, vending machines, and school events.

For parents, school councils, and food vendors, understanding PPM 150’s guidelines is crucial in selecting healthy, approved meal options that support student nutrition while complying with provincial policies.

This guide explains what PPM 150 is, what foods are allowed, how it impacts school lunch programs, and how parents can ensure their child has access to healthy meals at school.

1️⃣ What is PPM 150?

PPM 150 is a nutrition policy developed by the Ontario Ministry of Education to ensure that food and beverages provided in schools promote healthy eating habits and meet strict nutritional standards.

📌 Key Goals of PPM 150:

✔ Encourage healthy food choices for students.

✔ Ensure food sold in schools meets specific nutrition guidelines.

✔ Reduce access to high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods.

✔ Support student learning and well-being through improved nutrition.

📌 PPM 150 applies to all food and beverages provided through school food programs, hot lunch programs, fundraising events, and special occasions like pizza days.

2️⃣ How Does PPM 150 Impact School Lunch Programs?

Schools that offer hot lunch programs, snack programs, and cafeteria services must only serve meals and beverages that meet PPM 150’s nutritional standards.

📌 How PPM 150 Affects Hot Lunch Programs:

✔ Vendors must comply with PPM 150 guidelines before being approved.

✔ Meals must be lower in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

✔ All food provided in schools must fit into one of three nutrition categories (explained below).

✔ Deep-fried foods, soft drinks, and high-fat snacks are prohibited.

📌 Catholic School Councils (CSCs) review vendor options and ensure that selected food providers meet PPM 150’s requirements.

3️⃣ PPM 150 Nutrition Categories: What Foods Are Allowed?

PPM 150 classifies food and beverages into three categories:

✅ Sell/Serve Most (Healthiest Options) – 80% of School Food Choices

These foods are high in essential nutrients and low in added sugar, fat, and sodium. Schools must ensure that at least 80% of the food provided falls into this category.

✔ Whole grains (whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta)

✔ Fresh fruits and vegetables

✔ Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs

✔ Low-fat dairy (skim or 1% milk, low-fat yogurt, cheese)

✔ Water, 100% fruit juice, milk alternatives (soy, almond milk)

📌 These items should be the main focus of hot lunch programs and cafeteria menus.

⚠ Sell/Serve Sometimes (Moderate Nutrition) – 20% of School Food Choices

These foods meet basic nutritional requirements but contain higher amounts of sugar, fat, or sodium. Schools may offer these items occasionally, but they must not exceed 20% of the school’s food offerings.

✔ White bread, enriched pasta

✔ Flavored milk (chocolate/strawberry, but must be low in sugar)

✔ Granola bars (must be low in sugar and high in fiber)

✔ Lower-fat muffins, cookies (must meet portion and ingredient limits)

📌 These foods should be limited in school meal programs.

❌ Not Permitted for Sale or Distribution in Schools

These foods are high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium and do not meet nutritional guidelines. Schools cannot sell or provide these foods in meal programs, cafeterias, vending machines, or fundraising events.

❌ Deep-fried foods (French fries, fried chicken, onion rings)

❌ Candy, chocolate bars, chips

❌ Soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks

❌ High-fat pastries, donuts, and store-bought cookies

❌ Processed or high-sodium foods (hot dogs, frozen pizza, fast food)

📌 Parents should be aware that these items are not permitted in school-run food programs, even for fundraising events like bake sales.

4️⃣ How Schools Ensure Compliance with PPM 150

YCDSB schools follow strict guidelines to ensure that all food provided meets PPM 150 nutrition standards.

📌 How Schools Enforce PPM 150:

✔ CSC-Led Vendor Selection – Only vendors who comply with PPM 150 are approved for hot lunch programs.

✔ Ingredient & Menu Reviews – Schools review vendor menus to ensure all meals meet nutritional guidelines.

✔ No Non-Compliant Fundraising Sales – Bake sales, pizza days, and other food-related events must only offer approved foods.

📌 Parents can request menu details from their child’s school to verify compliance with PPM 150.

5️⃣ How Parents Can Support Healthy School Lunches

Parents play a key role in ensuring their child has access to healthy, balanced meals at school.

📌 What Parents Can Do:

✔ Review Hot Lunch Program Menus – Ensure vendors offer nutritious meals that meet PPM 150 standards.

✔ Encourage Healthy Lunch Packing at Home – If your child brings lunch, include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

✔ Engage with CSC on Hot Lunch Options – Join school council discussions to support healthier food initiatives.

✔ Educate Your Child on Healthy Choices – Teach children why balanced meals help with energy, focus, and learning.

📌 By working together, parents, schools, and CSCs can help ensure students receive the best possible nutrition at school.

6️⃣ Common Challenges & Solutions in Implementing PPM 150

While PPM 150 promotes healthy eating, some schools and parents may face challenges in implementation.

📌 Common Challenges & Solutions:

🔹 Limited Vendor Options

✔ Solution: Encourage more food vendors to apply and ensure they comply with PPM 150.

🔹 Students Rejecting Healthier Meal Options

✔ Solution: Offer diverse, appealing meals and introduce healthy foods gradually.

🔹 Parents Unaware of PPM 150 Guidelines

✔ Solution: Schools should communicate policy details through newsletters, school websites, and CSC meetings.

📌 While some adjustments may be needed, proper planning ensures that PPM 150 supports both nutrition and student preferences.

Conclusion: Why PPM 150 Matters for Schools & Students

PPM 150 plays a critical role in ensuring that students receive nutritious, balanced meals at school. By eliminating unhealthy food options and promoting healthier alternatives, this policy supports better concentration, improved well-being, and long-term healthy eating habits.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ PPM 150 ensures all school-provided food meets strict nutrition standards.

✅ Schools must offer at least 80% “Sell Most” items and limit “Sell Sometimes” foods to 20%.

✅ Deep-fried foods, soft drinks, and high-fat snacks are not allowed in school meal programs.

✅ Parents can support PPM 150 by reviewing menus, engaging with CSCs, and packing healthy lunches.

✅ Schools enforce PPM 150 through vendor selection, menu reviews, and meal compliance checks.

💬 What are your thoughts on PPM 150? Do you think schools should offer more variety in healthy meals? Share your opinions in the comments!