Healthy Schools

The concept of healthy schools has emerged out of a global movement that recognizes two key ideas:

• healthy children are better able to learn, and
• schools can directly influence children's health.

ActNow BC for Students

The Ministry of Education has announced the introduction of Daily Physical Activity to help students develop healthy daily physical activity habits. The program will augment existing Physical Education, Health and extracurricular activities by mandating that B.C.’s K-12 students participate daily in healthy levels of activity.

Action Schools! BC
A best practices physical activity and healthy eating model designed to assist schools in promoting healthy living.

BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program
Fresh BC fruits and vegetables are supplied to Kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools around the province 14 times during the school year.

Kick the Nic
A youth tobacco cessation program, delivered by health and education professionals in schools and community settings.

HASTE - Hub for Action on School Transportation Emissions
Learn about Walking School Bus and Bicycle Train programs.

Health prevention partnerships:

Making it Happen: Healthy Eating at School
Provides schools with resources and ideas to help foster healthy eating habits in students.

Directorate of Agencies for School Health
DASH promotes Comprehensive School Health (CSH). The CSH model, commonly described as "a Healthy School", is a practical framework for students, families, schools, and communities to network and create plans to enhance student health and learning.

Provincial initiatives across Canada:

Active and Safe Routes to School
This Ontario-based program provides resources, tools, information and links for schools and communities to create their own unique Active and Safe Routes to School program.

Healthy Choices in Vending Machines

While a vending machine is often the only option for a quick snack, junk food shouldn’t be. The Province is leading the way by ensuring that healthier options are available, because we all have a responsibility to make healthier food choices – for ourselves, for our families and as a society.

To learn more about the Province's approach to healthier food choices in public buildings, click here.

For a list of the "Choose Most" and "Choose Sometimes" foods that meet B.C.'s nutrition standards for schools and public buildings, visit www.brandnamefoodlist.ca.

The Brand Name Food List:

The Brand Name Food List helps schools, and workplaces identify healthier choices among ready to eat, packaged, and franchise foods and beverages. Foods are searchable by name, or brand, and are categorized based on nutritional value (Choose Most, Choose Sometimes, Choose Least, Not Recommended).

School Vending Machines: Steps to Meeting the Guidelines (PDF)