The Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools

Date came into force or revised

In force 2005; revised in 2010; revised in 2013

Status

Current

Policy statement

By following the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools, school districts can maximize students’ access to healthier options and eliminate the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools.

Rationale or purpose of policy

Healthy children are better able to learn. Children with healthy diets have improved brain development and mental abilities, increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and less depression and hyperactivity.

Authority

Each school district is responsible for overseeing the application of the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in their schools.

Policy in full

By following the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools, school districts can maximize students’ access to healthier options and eliminate the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in schools.

The guidelines are designed to improve the food and beverage options offered within the school setting so that students can make healthy eating choices on a routine basis. The food environment influences our purchasing and consumption habits, and the purchases available to students are important to their learning about healthy eating.

The guidelines provide schools, and food and beverage providers within schools, with a standard for decision-making that fosters healthy eating. Schools and districts are encouraged to continue working with students, teachers, parents, and others to develop strategies for implementing these guidelines and meeting the minimum standards set out in them. The guidelines provide suggestions about implementation.

Procedures related to policy

The guidelines suggest the following four-steps for applying guidelines at school:

1. Taking stock of foods and beverages sold in school and at school-sanctioned
   events.
2. Scoring the food and beverage items into their sell categories using the checklist
   for freshly made foods and the nutrient criteria for prepackaged foods.
3. Developing a collaborative implementation plan to apply the guidelines and
   support a healthy school community.
4. Taking action by carrying out the implementation plan.

Questions and concerns about implementation of the guidelines within a particular school district should be directed to: https://bcschoolcontacts.gov.bc.ca