School Food and Beverage Procedure

The School Food and Beverage Policy (Policy/Program Memorandum 150) requires that all food and 
beverages offered for sale in Ontario’s publicly funded elementary and secondary schools for school purposes comply with the nutrition standards and requirements set out within the policy. 

The policy has been established under the authority of the Minister of Education provided through the 
Education Act, and all school boards must comply with the policy.

The application of this procedure will follow the legislation and regulations outlined in Bill 8, Healthy Food for 
Healthy Schools Act, 2008, all related Ministry of Education and ministry of Health legislation, and all related 
Board policies and regulations. This policy is reflective of new legislation regarding trans fat standards for 
schools and aligns with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ Student Nutrition Program Nutrition 
Guidelines, July 2008.

2.1 In all school venues (e.g., cafeterias, vending machines, tuck shops, canteens);

2.2 Through all school programs (e.g., catered lunch programs, milk program, culinary arts programs home economics programs);

2.3 At all school events (e.g., bake sales, fundraising events, sports events).

3.1 Offered in schools to students at no cost (example: student nutrition program, breakfast program);

3.2 Brought from home for school snacks or lunches;

3.3 Purchased off school premises and are not for resale in schools;

3.4 Sold in schools for non-school purposes, including outside organizations that use the school after school hours for non-school related events;

3.5 Sold for fundraising activities that occur off school premises;

3.6 Sold in staff rooms.

4.1 The school principal may designate up to ten (10) days (or fewer, as determined by the school board) 
during the school year as special-event days on which food and beverages sold in schools would be 
exempt from the nutrition standards.

4.2 The school principal must consult with the school community council (SCC) prior to designating a day 
as a special-event day.

4.3 The school principal is encouraged to consult with the students when selecting special-event days.

4.4 Notwithstanding this exemption, on special-event days, schools are encouraged to sell food and 
beverages that meet the nutrition standards set out in the policy.

5.1 The following legislation, policy, regulation, and procedural requirements must also be met 
regarding compliance with this policy:

5.1.1 Bill 8: Ontario Regulation 200/08, "Trans Fat Standards" (see Appendix) and any other 
applicable regulations made under the Education Act

5.1.2 DDSB Procedure 5135 - Reduced Risk Regarding Anaphylaxis

5.1.3 Regulation 562, "Food Premises" regarding preparation, serving and storage of food, as amended, made under the Health Protection and Promotion Act;

5.1.4 DDSB Procedure #5131 - Fundraising School Community Councils - requires revision to comply with PPM 150;

5.1.5 PPM 135: Health Foods and Beverages in Elementary School Vending Machines (see Appendix).

5.2 The Durham District School Board will ensure that students have access to drinking water during the 
school day.

5.3 The Durham District School Board will take into consideration the diversity of students and staff in 
order to accommodate religious and/or cultural needs. 

6.1 The Durham District School Board and its schools may consider the following practices when food 
and/or beverages are sold or provided in schools:

6.1.1 Offering, when available and where possible, food and beverages that are produced in 
Ontario

6.1.2 Being environmentally aware (e.g., reducing food waste, reusing containers, recycling food scraps)

6.1.3 Avoiding offering food and/or beverages as rewards/incentives for good behaviour, achievement, or participation

7.1 Foods and beverages offered for sale are of a maximum nutritional value.

7.2 The nutrition standards are set out in two sections: food and beverages. Within these sections, detailed nutrition criteria have been established that food and beverages must meet in order to be sold in schools. The nutrition criteria are provided in the following categories:

7.2.1 “Sell Most” (80%);

7.2.2 “Sell Least” (20%);

7.2.3 “Not Permitted for Sale” (0%). 

7.3 Products that fall within the “Not Permitted for Sale” category are not sold in schools

7.4 Food and beverages offered for sale must comply with the Nutrition Standards as outlined in Appendix, including:

7.4.1 The intention for all food and beverages to contribute to students’ healthy growth and 
development

7.4.2 Embodying the principles of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s Food Guide

8.1 Provide relevant training, materials and support to the school community to implement PPM 150

8.2 Ensure that all items available in vending machines, cafeterias, and “tuck shops” comply with PPM 150, trans fat and other legislative directives;

8.3 Determine and record the Special Exemption Days (see Appendix - Sample Special Event Tracker) allowable within Bill 8 (maximum 10), with appropriate consultation with School Community Council 
(see section 4.0);

8.4 Assess and track compliance in each venue, program, and event where food and beverages are sold;

8.5 Ensure the completion of Letters of Compliance for all Food Service Providers to their school  (Appendix - Sample Letter of Compliance);

8.6 Communicate the status of compliance to the school board for provincial attestation completion.

9.1 For clarification of this procedure, please contact the Superintendent of Programs and/or the Program Facilitator for Health and Physical Education.