Back to SearchThe North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (“Health Unit”) is delighted to welcome the Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (NFVP) to 61 elementary and intermediate schools, including two schools in First Nations communities, throughout the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound. The NFVP supplies two free servings of fresh vegetables and fruit each week, with a focus on Ontario-grown produce when available, to students from kindergarten through grade eight, reaching over 11,000 students. The program has been successfully running for two months, with great feedback from involved schools and community partners.
“This program gives school-aged children the opportunity to try new vegetables and fruit with their peers,” says Kendra Patrick, Public Health Dietitian at the Health Unit. “Ongoing exposure to fruits and vegetables may help increase the likability and acceptance of these foods.”
Educational materials are also provided to help increase awareness about the importance of eating vegetables and fruit, as well as incorporating regular physical activity for good health and the prevention of chronic diseases. This program is offered in addition to breakfast and snack programs running in the schools.
The NFVP has been successfully running in the Algoma Public Health and Porcupine Health Unit regions since 2006. In 2014, Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ region and five communities on the James Bay coast joined the program.
The Health Unit is very fortunate to work with committed partners, such as the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, First Nations communities, and elementary and intermediate schools throughout the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts to support the program.
For more information, contact the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808.
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Quick Facts
- It may take two, three or even 15 tries before a child gets used to the taste of a new food.
- School-aged children should consume five to six servings of vegetables and fruit per day.
Media Inquiries
Jolinne Kearns, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext.5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca
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