Start Your School Snack/Breakfast Program
A successful school snack or breakfast program takes planning and teamwork, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. We have listed all of the information you need to start and manage your program with lots of tips, strategies and best practices. No matter if you are a new program or have been offering a program for many years; there is always new information to learn and review to improve your program.
Snack Programs
Learn about school snack programs in York Region.
Breakfast Programs
Learn about school breakfast/morning meal programs in York Region.
Pre-Planning Checklist
Before you start, use this checklist to help you choose and plan the right student nutrition program for your school.
Application Form
If you are a new school that wants to start a snack or breakfast program, fill out the application form and email the completed form to us.
Ontario’s Student Nutrition Program Guidelines for provincially-funded breakfast/morning meal, or snack programs. Review the guidelines to ensure you are meeting them.
Ministry Program Guidelines
Nutrition Guidelines
The Nutrition Guidelines is consistent with Canada’s Food Guide as well as elements of the Ontario School Food and Beverage Policy (P/PM150). Use the guide to plan your purchases and menu.
How will you offer food to students? Grab N Go? Classroom bins? Sit-down meals? Learn the benefits and challenges of each delivery method.
Types of Program Delivery
Schools must fundraise to support a snack or breakfast program. How much will it cost? Learn to budget your costs so you have enough for the entire school year.
Funding & Budgeting
Before you start your school snack or breakfast program, think about the equipment and non-food supplies you will need, where you will get these items, and how you will pay for them.
Equipment & Supplies
Volunteers are an important part of a successful program. Learn how to recruit and work with volunteers.
Recruit Volunteers
Video: Starting a Student Nutrition Program