New policy sets nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in Ontario schools

ARAMARK Canada Ltd., a leader in providing professional food services to more than 150 middle and high schools across Ontario, is in full support of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy Memorandum No. 150, School Food and Beverage Policy, setting nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in publicly funded elementary and secondary schools in Ontario.

“We have been working diligently to create healthy nutrition environments in all of the school communities we serve through the provision of healthier foods, targeted marketing of healthier choices, and an education and communication campaign designed to engage our student customers while fostering healthy eating habits.”

“At a time when obesity is surpassing smoking as the biggest health risk to North Americans, ARAMARK is pleased to be part of the improvements to the nutritional quality of food sold in schools,” said Michael Oschefski, Executive Vice President & General Manager, ARAMARK Canada. “We have been working diligently to create healthy nutrition environments in all of the school communities we serve through the provision of healthier foods, targeted marketing of healthier choices, and an education and communication campaign designed to engage our student customers while fostering healthy eating habits.”

ARAMARK Canada’s school nutrition program, Optimum FUEL, focuses on creating fresh, simple, healthier foods – made “your way” – allowing students to customize their hot entrées, sandwiches, and side dishes to accommodate varying taste preferences, special dietary needs, and lifestyle factors.

All Optimum FUEL menu items provided in ARAMARK managed school cafeterias have been reviewed by a Registered Dietitian and consist of a rotation of well-balanced daily “Optimum FUEL” featured hot entrées, as well as a variety of fresh and conveniently packaged grab ‘n go items that reflect the key recommendations from Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.

ARAMARK has been engaged as an active partner with the Ontario Ministry of Education to assist in the creation of Nutrition Standards for Food and Beverages sold in Ontario schools and to advise on the readiness of the food industry to achieve changes that will improve the nutritional quality of food offered for sale in our school communities. All school locations are expected to be fully compliant with Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy Memorandum No. 150, School Food and Beverage Policy, by the target implementation date of September 1, 2011.

Source: ARAMARK Canada Ltd.