News Release                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                December 18, 2009

Christmas Comes Early for EatSmart! School Cafeterias

Nine secondary schools across Grey Bruce will receive an award package in recognition of achieving Phase One status as an EatSmart! School Cafeteria. This province-wide program involves an assessment from Public Health to determine if the cafeteria meets three criteria: have a variety of healthy food choices, exceptional standards in food safety and 100% smoke-free environment. To achieve Phase One, schools must ensure a minimum 25% of all foods and beverages are healthy choices.

The following schools have met the criteria for a Phase One designation:

• Bruce Peninsula District, Lion’s Head          
• Georgian Bay Secondary, Meaford
• John Diefenbaker Secondary, Hanover 
• Owen Sound Collegiate & Vocational Institute, Owen Sound
• Peninsula Shores, Wiarton
• Saugeen District Secondary School, Port Elgin
• West Hill Secondary School, Owen Sound
• St. Mary’s High School, Owen Sound
• Sacred Heart High School, Walkerton

The schools will receive an Eatsmart! award package made possible by funding provided by Grey Bruce Partners in Health, a coalition that supports healthy eating and active living initiatives in the community. The award package includes a mounted plaque to display and a GlitterBug Kit that uses UV fluorescent light to educate staff and patrons about proper hand-washing hygiene, a critical component of food safety.

Congratulations to these schools for taking steps toward providing healthier food choices for staff and students. We look forward to working with them to reach Phase Two of the EatSmart! School Cafeteria Program designation in 2010. Phase Two requires 50% of foods and beverages are healthy choices.

For more information about the EatSmart! Program, visit www.eatsmartontario.ca 

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For more information:

Crystal Ferguson                     or                     Jason Weppler

Health Promoter                                              Health Promoter

Grey Bruce Health Unit                                  Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1404   519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1408