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28 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 9, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Healthy eating is happening in Halton schools H ealthy eating is happening in Halton schools, thanks in part to the efforts of the Halton Healthy School Nutrition Environment Committee (HSNE). HSNE promotes and supports healthy eating for students as part of a healthy lifestyle. Its members are community registered dietitians, representatives from the school boards, Halton Region Health and Social Services Departments and interested community members. "School nutrition programs and policies that support healthy eating at school can improve food choices," said Lynn Roblin, registered dietitian and HSNE chair. Today, many children have poor eating habits. This can cause unhealthy weights and increased risk of adult health problems, such as type 2 diabetes. Healthy foods at school contribute to children's healthy growth and development and better prepare children to learn and be active." In 2006, the committee launched Healthy Eating in Halton Schools -- A Guide to Creating a Healthy School Nutrition Environment. HSNE also established the Nutrition Action Grants program to support schools in implementing nutrition programs. In 2006-07, 22 elementary schools and 10 high schools received grants. Grants were awarded to 22 elementary and 12 high schools in 2007-08. Through the program, schools have come up with innovative ways to promote healthy eating: · Tecumseh Public School ran a "catch you eating healthy" contest. Georgetown's Christ the King Catholic Secondary School held a "muffin-aday giveaway." · Gladys Speers Public School hosted multicultural food days. · Acton District High School created a community garden. · Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School started an Iron Chef Cooking Club. · White Oaks Secondary School also started a cooking club and created unique recipes. · Oakwood Public School prepared healthy snacks and created a cookbook. · St. Andrew Elementary School offered healthy snacks for intramural events. · St. Vincent Elementary School worked on healthy fundraising. · St. Ignatius of Loyola High School's Grade 12 students learned how to prepare healthy foods. They also taught Grade 2 students at St. Joan of Arc Elementary School about food and nutrition. · Oakville Trafalgar High School students hosted a "Feed your Brain Campaign" during exams. · Iroquois Ridge High School ran a similar program offering healthy snacks and drinks during exams and literacy testing. · Thomas A. Blakelock High School produced a nutrition rap song and a play. The school also produced a video on organic farming, food availability and the loss of Halton's rich agricultural land to development. The Halton Healthy School Nutrition Environment Committee and the Nutrition Action Grants are funded by Choices 4 Health. For more information about Choices 4 Health and its funded programs, visit choices4health.org or call the Choices 4 Health Coordinator at 905-8256000 ext. 7344. Choices 4 Health is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, community partners and the Halton Region Health Department. The Choices 4 Health Network is a community coalition of over 250 individuals and organizations working together to create a Halton in which people achieve optimum health by choosing opportunities for healthy eating, physical activity, good mental health and smoke-free living. -- Submitted by Choices 4 Health Be an ASSOCIATE / FAMILY HOME PROVIDER Open your heart and home to a person who has a developmental disability The Associate/ Family Home Program is a community living alternative where children and adults with a developmental disability live on a full-time basis with families and participate in all aspects of family life. We are currently recruiting families or individuals who are interested in becoming an Associate/ Family Home Provider. We are looking for caring families or individuals who are committed and interested in sharing their home and providing support to a child or adult who has a developmental disability. We are also recruiting Respite Providers. 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