Nutrition Program

OP Nutrition Program 

Program Overview 

OP offers a comprehensive Student Nutrition Program designed to support student well-being, learning readiness, and school engagement. 

The program operates a “Grab ‘N Go” snack bin model, providing healthy, appealing food options that are accessible to all students during the school day, with a particular emphasis on a healthy breakfast. 

Snack offerings include: 

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables 

  • Protein foods and dairy options 

  • Whole grain products 

  • Options to meet specific allergy and dietary restrictions (e.g. nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, halal) 

Fresh food is sourced through weekly orders from approved grocery retailers, ensuring quality, variety, and consistency. 

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Program Operation 

The Nutrition Program runs three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). 

  • Snack carts are delivered to classrooms each morning. 

  • Students may select 1–2 items and are encouraged to choose:  

  • One fruit or vegetable 

  • One dairy, protein, or whole grain item 

To ensure equitable access, snack bins are also strategically placed and regularly restocked in high-traffic areas (e.g., Main Office, Learning Commons, Student Success) to support students throughout the day, including on non-delivery days. 

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Funding and Community Partnerships 

The OP Nutrition Program is made possible through a combination of grants, partnerships, and community support: 

  • President’s Choice Children’s Charity grant (primary funding source; applied for annually) 

  • Hamilton Tastebuds (community partner) which:  

  • Provides supplemental funding, grocery vouchers, and grocery retailer gift cards with support from Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H. (Haldimand Norfolk REACH) and the Social, Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC Hamilton) 

  • Facilitates program coordination and food ordering 

Community contributions are welcomed and valued. 
Families or organizations interested in donating are encouraged to contact school administration. 

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Program Values and Student Learning/Leadership 

The program follows the Ontario Student Nutrition Program Nutrition Guidelines (2020) to: 

  • Foster an inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environment 

  • Ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all students 

  • Promote healthy literacy and nutritional eating habits 

  • Maintain high standards for food safety, storage, and preparation 

Special Class Involvement 

The OP Nutrition Program is more than a food service—it is an integral and enriching educational experience. Students and staff in special education classes are central to the program’s success, and play a vital role in the daily life of the school through their leadership responsibilities, including: 

  • Preparing and organizing snack bins 

  • Delivering food to classrooms 

  • Restocking access points throughout the school 

Through their involvement, students build essential life and employability skills, such as: 

  • Numeracy and literacy 

  • Organization, task-management, and other important executive-functioning skills 

  • Safe food handling and hygiene practices 

  • Communication and positive social interaction 

  • Collaboration and community integration 

This hands-on experience fosters confidence, independence, and a strong sense of contribution, making OP’s Nutrition Program a cornerstone of both student learning and school culture.