NIBBLES AND BITES - CNCM ON THE GO!
1. PROJECT UPDATES - November 1, 2011
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PILOT PROJECT
The 2006 School Nutrition Survey indicated that fruit and vegetables were not on the list of the top ten foods sold in schools, and fruit was only offered in 15% of the school canteens. Vegetables were not mentioned at all. In view of this situation, the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba began managing a Vegetable and Fruit Pilot in the fall of 2008, as a complement to the Manitoba school nutrition initiative. The pilot was implemented in thirteen schools during the 2008-2009 and the 2009-2010 school years. In 2010 CNCM received continued funding making it possible to implement the project in new sites. The majority of the original thirteen pilot schools have secured funding to continue offering vegetables and fruits to students at school. Follow up interviews are planned to document their experiences.
For the 2010-2011 phase of the pilot an expression of interest was sent to all Manitoba schools in the spring of 2010. Close to 100 schools/community places responded indicating interest in being part of the pilot. The 2010-2011 phase of the pilot will begin implementation in the fall of the 2010 and evaluation data will be collected ending March 31st, 2011. Just over 1400 students will be participating in sites located throughout the province.
Project Features:
- Individual school-based program design
- Nutrition education component
- Promotion of local access to food items
- Training and support for coordinators and volunteers
- Involvement of family and community members in activities
- Evaluation and Report
The final report will include evaluation from each of the 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 school year phases. Funding has been provided by the Province of Manitoba and the Public Health Agency of Canada. For more information, contact Maxine Meadows at 1-888-547-0535 or info@childnutrition.com.
NOURISHMENT PROGRAMS GETTING HEALTHY FOOD TO MORE CHILDREN IN MANITOBA.
The Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba (CNCM) is growing! Back in 2001, we had a vision of nutrition policies guiding schools and access to healthy food for all school children. We have come a long way from our initial funding support from Breakfast For Learning for 22 programs.
Presently CNCM supports over 130 school and community-based nourishment programs annually. This growth has been possible because of the contribution by the Government of Manitoba, The Winnipeg Foundation and the Moffat Family Fund as well as the FNIH Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative Manitoba Region and the Manitoba School Boards Association. In view of this support for the work of the Child Nutrition Council, we have become a solely Manitoba based program.
The challenge to Manitobans has been heard and it's exciting to be part of a community that is seeking to work together for the best possible environment for children throughout Manitoba.
If you have any questions, please contact Viola Prowse at info@childnutritioncouncil.com or call 204-453-6060.
2. NEWSLETTERS
This is a new initiative to feature nutrition tips for schools and to share program ideas. Download/view the February 2012 newsletter, January 2012 newsletter, December 2011 newsletter, November 2011 newsletter and the October 2011 newsletter.
3. EVENTS
Get on the school bus! Aug. 25-27, 2011, Centre Court, Polo Park
It’s time to get on the bus again. We’d love to have you join the fun at Centre Court where excited children have a chance to get on a real school bus and get their pictures taken in the driver’s seat. Help us turn the big yellow bus red with apples on August 25th – 27th at Centre Court in Polo Park. All funds raised help to provide the nutritious food Manitoba children and youth need everyday to learn and grow. Download more information.
4. COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Child Nutrition Council will be meeting in September, January, March and June for the 2011-2012 school year. Actual dates will be confirmed.
