Universal student nutrition programs help address the following needs in our community:

• Improving student nutrition and health, including obesity reduction;
• Increasing student readiness to learn, including alleviating in-school hunger, regardless of socioeconomic status;
• Creating healthier school nutrition environments, i.e. provide whole fruits and vegetables, high quality protein and grain foods;
• Role modelling the most nutritious foods possible;
• Providing social connections and creating a sense of belonging;
• Contributing to the long-term health outcomes and nutritional practices of children and youth in our community.

Evidence-based research shows a clear link between good nutrition, improved school performance and better overall health. Student nutrition programs bring together the importance of healthy eating, physical and mental health, social connection, increased learning potential for children and youth, and overall student well-being. Undernourished children and youth have lower self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and are absent from school more often.