Hot Lunch Program
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A List of Hot Lunch Program Ideas and How to Implement Them
Introduction Hot lunch programs provide nutritious, convenient meal options for students while also serving as a potential fundraising opportunity for schools. In YCDSB elementary schools, Catholic School Councils (CSCs) work with approved vendors to offer meals that comply with PPM 150 (Ontario’s Healthy Food Guidelines). Whether you are a parent, CSC member, or school administrator, this guide will provide hot lunch program ideasand a…
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What Happens When a Child Has Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
A Parent’s Perspective on Navigating Food Allergies in YCDSB Schools As a parent in the York Catholic school system, I know firsthand how important it is to ensure that our children are safe, healthy, and included—especially when it comes to school meals. If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, you’ve likely faced challenges in navigating hot lunch…
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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,…
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How Hot Lunch Programs Work in Elementary Schools
Introduction Hot lunch programs in elementary schools provide students with nutritious, pre-ordered meals, ensuring they have access to healthy food options during the school day. These programs are organized by Catholic School Councils (CSCs) and parent volunteers, following PPM 150 (Ontario’s Healthy Food Guidelines) to promote student well-being. For many parents, understanding how these programs work, who is responsible for organizing them,…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 