Canada remains one of the few Western countries that does not have federally funded school nutrition programs. Provincial governments provide some financial support, but the level of support varies from province to province. Since 1992, Breakfast for Learning [BFL] has been the only national organization dedicated to the development and support of school nutrition programs.
BFL is a national organization that empowers communities across Canada to start and sustain school nutrition programs in order to enhance learning and the healthy development of children and youth. BFL is supported by a large number of corporate contributions as well as individual donors. BFL uses a community development model and the programs are run primarily by volunteers. In 2009, over 30,000 volunteers worked to deliver over 2900 breakfast, lunch and snack programs across Canada. There are almost 200 programs for aboriginal children.
Other highlights from 2009:
- The BFL website was redesigned and launched with more resources and interactive programming
- 18,000 individuals registered for BFL’s online club and over 1,400 accessed online resources such as the award-winning Keys to Success standards program
- BFL introduced an integrated online granting system that allows programs to apply for funding with increased ease and efficiency.
- 27,500 Canadians visited the BFL website to access recipes and nutrition and information.
- 37,600,00 nutritious meals and snacks were served to more than 222,000 children and youth.
- BFL distributed over 60,000 educational resources that highlighted the importance of child nutrition programs including BFL’s Mission Menu Planner which was developed in partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Report From Canada
Contributed by GCNF Delegate, Susan Evers
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