A dietitian hired by Prince Edward Island will lead consultations with students later this fall as part of a larger effort to craft a new school food policy in line with the latest Canada’s Food Guide. Margaret Young was hired by the Department of Education and Early Years in May to lead the development of the new policy for the Public Schools Branch (PSB) and the Commission scolaire de langue francaise (CSLF). The department commissioned the work on the new policy following an August 2024 auditor general report that found 95 per cent of PSB schools and 50 per cent of CSLF schools were not compliant with their nutrition policies. “The PSB and the CSLF have school nutrition policies dated 2016 and 2011, respectively,” the audit reads. “These policies are not based on the most recent version of Canada’s Food Guide published in 2019.” Young said they are taking a “comprehensive approach” to the school food policy as they look at including vegetables, fruits and whole grains to it while eliminating processed food. “We’re updating the policy based on the 2019 food guide and looking at the most up-to-date evidence,” Young said. “It’s still in draft form. “We want to create a healthy school environment.” The audit said many P.E.I. schools lack the processes to monitor if food and beverages for students comply with nutrition policies. Young said they are looking at the “broader school food environment” and considering sustainability and student engagement. “We’re looking beyond what foods can and can’t be offered at schools,” she said. “We want broad consultation with stakeholders, which includes students.” For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
