Ontario Schools’ Readiness for School Food and Beverage Policy Implementation

Abstract

School food policies are developed to influence students' eating habits and ultimately impact students' overall health and well-being, but little is known about schools' readiness for implementing these policies. The purpose of this study was to examine schools' organizational readiness to implement Ontario's School Food and Beverage Policy (Program and Policy Memorandum No. 150, 2010). In addition to policy analysis, six principals and two vice-principals from six elementary and secondary schools who were directly involved in the planning and preparation for the policy were interviewed in three district school boards in Southern Ontario. Findings suggest that there is a need for more effective dissemination, in-service training, and education for school stakeholders in order to engage and stimulate interest and compliance of the nutrition standards. Finding nutritious foods that are appealing for students; as well as developing supportive partnerships within and outside the school to reinforce consistent messages to students are both areas that require further attention. The results of this research serve as a framework for potential solutions to school nutrition policies, strategies, and interventions and may also inform key stakeholders and policy makers in adapting and refining policies as a means of supporting the implementation process for successful outcomes.