BULLETIN BOARD

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SCHOOL NOURISHMENT PROGRAMS 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.

It is business as usual for school nourishment program funding. Applications are due by April 15th and cheques will be mailed out to the schools in September.

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.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

The following our dates of upcoming scheduled meetings:

Upcoming Meeting Dates for 2010: March 3 and June 11

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, CNCM embarked on a fruit and vegetable pilot project. An expression of interest was sent to all Manitoba schools earlier this fall. Over 60 schools responded indicating interest in being part of the pilot. Thirteen schools from across Manitoba have been selected to be a part of the pilot and have now begun to implement the program.

The Project will run for two twelve week periods, the first in spring of 2009 and the second session will be in the fall of the 2009-2010 school year. Just over 2000 students will be participating in the project.

Project Features:

• Individual school-based program design
• Nutrition education component
• Promotion of local access to food items
• Training for coordinators and volunteers
• Involvement of family and community members in activities
• Evaluation and Report

A final report on the Project will be ready by the end of the 09/10 school year. Funding has been provided by the Province of Manitoba and the Federal Government.

SITE VISITS

Highlights for this year have been visits to school programs.