York Region Food for Learning evolved from the "Building the Network Towards Food Security in York Region" workshop held in November 1999. The Food for Learning Pilot Program was started in September 2000 and has grown into a broad community partnership dedicated to enhancing classroom learning by initiating and supporting student nourishment programs, which include breakfast and snack programs. The partnership involves York Region school boards, parents, agencies, health professionals, and community members, all of whom share their expertise in and concern about child nutrition and education. The collaborative nature of our Steering Committee ensures there is no duplication in the areas of child nutritional health.

Universality is a key principle on which our programs operate: our student nourishment programs are open to all children , as universal programs do not stigmatize children and allow all students to benefit from healthy eating.

Our breakfast programs operate 3 to 5 mornings per week during the school year, giving children access to nutritious, culturally diverse foods representing at least three different food groups of Canada 's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Through these programs, breakfast is offered in a safe, hygienic, welcoming and well-supervised environment so that students are properly nourished in an environment where they feel comfortable and welcome.

Our snack programs involve ensuring children have access to healthy, readily available snack options. Snacks may be distributed by teachers or kept in a central location for students to access on an as-needed basis.

What are the benefits of student nourishment programs?

• Studies show nourishment programs help to improve cognitive function and classroom behaviour
• They strengthen communities, with people working together to ensure all children are well nourished
• They allow children to eat with their friends and give them the opportunity to try a variety of new foods which are appealing, culturally diverse, tasty and nutritious
• The programs' focus on nutrition supports the Ontario Curriculum