Nutrition

CBE believes a student’s health and well-being are important factors for learning.

To support healthy growth and development, it is important to provide affordable, accessible, and nutritious meals and snacks to students through various programs. Programs are site and grade-specific – schools may provide;

• breakfast programs
• cafeteria lunch service
• snack programs
• agency-provided food or meal supports
• tuck shops
• vending machines

CBE strives to offer foods that are nutritious and instill healthy lifestyle choices. Food and beverages such as confectionary products, energy drinks and natural health products do not align with provincial nutrition guidelines and are unavailable in foodservice settings. Deep fryers are used in schools only to prepare food directly linked to commercial foodservice (Culinary) programs of study.

Administrative Regulation 3047 - Nutrition (AR-3047) outlines the types of food and beverages, as defined by the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY), that may be served or sold by CBE staff or CBE contracted foodservice providers to CBE students. It does not apply to the lunch or snack items parents send with their child(ren) or to School Council sponsored activities such as Once-a-Month Fun Lunch fundraiser days.

CBE is committed to adhering to provincial food safety standards in all foodservice settings. Schools that offer reoccurring food supports to students on a regular basis must hold a valid Alberta Health Services Food Handling Permit, apart from school emergency pantries with only manufacturer individually prepackaged goods.

Breakfast Programs

Some schools offer universal breakfast programs and are open to all students. Breakfast programs may be supported by one of our agency nutrition partners or funded and operated independently by the school.

Staying at Lunch

CBE offers Lunch Supervision Service for all students in Grades 1- 6 and in full-day kindergarten programs that bring lunch and stay at school over the lunch period. For more information, see Lunch Supervision.

Some middle/junior high schools and high schools offer cafeteria services over the lunch period for students to purchase lunch.

Please check with your child’s school for more information on what food programs or nutrition supports are available.

Healthy Fundraising

Many schools and/or School Council groups organize fundraisers to raise money for school events and activities. Fundraising opting for healthy foods or non-food items demonstrates the school’s commitment to supporting healthy lifestyles, reinforcing the messages taught in the classroom. CBE asks School Councils to bear nutrition standards, allergies and dietary restrictions in mind when planning fundraising events such as Once-a-Month Fun Lunch days. Health Link BC has a webpage with ideas for healthy fundraising here.

Partnerships and Associations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. There is a lot of sugar in fruit juices. Are they still sold or served in schools?

As per Canada’s food guide, water should be offered as the preferred beverage for hydration. 100% fruit juices in appropriate serving sizes may also be sold or served in schools as they are also a source of vitamins and nutrients. The Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY) recommends that serving sized be limited to ½ cup, as fruit juices typically have high levels of natural sugar, and vegetable juices may have high levels of sodium. Drinking juices also tends to replace the intake of other healthy foods and beverages.​

Q. CBE allows chocolate milk. What information was used to make this decision?

Flavoured milks, soy beverages and yogurts contain added sugar and often times added sodium. According to the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY)many of these options are considered a “Choose Sometimes” food. However, these products still provide the same important bone-building nutrients as the unsweetened versions and can still be a healthy lifestyle choice when served as part of a balanced meal. Always check the nutrition facts label for the best product options.

Q. In the past, parents would sometimes send cupcakes or other treats to class celebrate their child’s birthday. Why is this no longer a practice?

Schools have moved away from this practice for several reasons. Many students experience food allergies, or have other dietary restrictions due to medical conditions, cultural backgrounds, or religious beliefs, which may prevent them from participating. Fortunately, there are many alternate ways to recognize and celebrate birthdays that are more inclusive for everyone.

Q. In what situations does Administrative Regulation AR 3047 – Nutrition apply?

AR 3047 – Nutrition pertains to foods and beverages served or sold by CBE staff or CBE contracted foodservice providers to CBE students on school property.

School Council organized events and fundraisers: AR 3047 – Nutrition does not apply, though School Council groups are encouraged to collaborate with the school’s principal to provide healthy food options that align with nutrition guidelines. This provides consistent messaging to students around healthy food choices. Additional information and ideas for healthy school fundraising can be found on the Health Link BC School Food Toolkit website.

Fundraisers organized by a parent group, such as a Band Parent Association: AR 3047 – Nutrition does not apply when a fundraiser is organized by a parent group. Similar to School Councils, other parent groups are encouraged to bear in mind nutrition standards for consistent messaging to students.

Fundraisers organized by CBE staff: AR 3047 – Nutrition applies when food items are sold to CBE students. This also applies to fundraisers organized by student groups overseen by CBE staff.

Special events organized by CBE staff: AR 3047 – Nutrition applies when CBE staff are organizing special events such as sports days, pancake breakfasts, or end of year barbeques.

Home packed lunches: AR 3047 – Nutrition does not apply to lunch or snacks provided by a parent for their child. Some schools may have policies advising against bringing items such as energy drinks to best set up students for classroom learning.

Teachers providing foods in the classroom: AR 3047 – Nutrition applies when teachers are offering foods to students within the classroom, including but not limited to food rewards and classroom celebrations. As per the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY), using food as a reward should be avoided. Instead, teachers may choose to use non-food rewards such as stickers, bookmarks, or extra free time.