Promoting Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits

Establishing positive eating habits supports your child鈥檚 growth and development at home and school. Offering a variety of nutritious foods gives your child the nutrients and energy they need to learn, grow and play.

Meal and Snack Tips:

Be a positive role model. Prepare and听eat a variety of foods with your child.
Enjoy meals and snacks together.
Power-off devices at mealtime and听use the time to connect as a family.
Offer vegetables and fruit at every听meal and snack.
Involve your child in meal and snack听preparations.
Make time for healthy eating so no one is feeling rushed.听听

Check out Canada鈥檚 Food Guide for听ideas:听

Try It Out!

Enjoy community听meals where:

Food is put into听larger bowls or听serving dishes on the table.
Everyone serves themselves based听on 1) hunger cues, and 2) food听preferences

This style of meal allows everyone to be involved, see everything that has been prepared, and select what and how much they want.

Have a nutrition question?
Contact a registered dietitian for free听at Health 811. Dial 811 or visit:听听to start an online chat.

Packing Snacks and Meals for School

All 丝瓜视频 schools have three 100-minute instructional blocks, separated by two 40 minute nutrition breaks. Each nutrition break consists of 20 minutes of eating and 20 minutes of outdoor play. The following information can support you and your child in preparing for meal and snack times at school.

Helpful Tips:

Label your child鈥檚 lunch bag, containers,听and reusable water bottle.
Make snacks and lunches together with听your child.
Use ice packs and insulated lunch bags听to keep refrigerated foods cold.
Wash all vegetables and fruit thoroughly听with clean water prior to eating.
Many schools offer free nutrition programs that help children perform their best. Find out if your school has a program and how you can get involved.

Go on a Picnic!

Picnics at home or in a local park can be a great way for children to practice using their lunch bag and containers independently. It also supports their independence while reinforcing the听 development of fine motor skills.

Looking for snack and lunch Ideas?
Check out听and the听 video from Peterborough Public Health.

丝瓜视频 District School Board
1994 Fisher Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6

Phone: 705-742-9773
Toll Free: 1-877-741-4577
Fax: 705-742-7801
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