GREATER ESSEX COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Celebrating Student Nutrition Programs at David Maxwell Public School

The importance of student nutrition programs was the main cause at David Maxwell Public School in Windsor in December.

Maxwell's incredible student leaders showed us around the school and to various classrooms where we discussed why the nutrition programs are valuable, what their favourite (and least favourite!) foods are and why.

After the tour, we joined a roundtable discussion with the student leaders and guests to share ideas about how the program can be improved and talk about the difficulties that many families have with the cost of food.

Students suggested providing packages of nutritious food that can be taken home over holiday breaks and even customizing these packages based on the food that is in season.

Director of Education Vicki Houston pointed out that unhealthy choices are often less expensive than healthy choices. "If there isn't enough money, families are forced to choose between a healthy and unhealthy option. It is so wonderful that there are healthy choices available to students every single day at school. This could also influence their choices outside of school - it might cost a little bit more but it's healthy and better fuel for their bodies than something that might be cheaper but not as nutritious."

Representatives from the Ontario Student Nutrition Program were particularly interested in feedback from the students about the snacks that are provided. One student stated, "I think the items that we have now do work well for our school. I notice that when we have the snack bins in the morning, they empty quickly because there are a lot of people relying on those snacks."

She added, "It would be nice to implement food from other cultures because it would be a new experience for them to try and would expand their palette."

The OSNP also presented David Maxwell Principal Theresa Hoffman and the Nutrition Program Lead Kayla Belanger with an award that celebrated their outstanding accomplishments to date.

OSNP's Supervisor of Community Relations Danielle Findlay expressed her gratitude. "We really want to thank everyone who was here today. The student leaders have honestly blown us away. From their respect and professionalism the minute we walked into the building but also their knowledge and the feedback they gave us. Outstanding job. Thank you so much."

The GECDSB is continually grateful for our partnership with OSNP and all of our other community partners and volunteers who help to make nutrition programs possible in our schools.