Allyship & Advocacy
There are many learning and health related benefits to universal school food programs, such as ensuring equity and improving cognition, academic achievement, social skills, well-being, and health outcomes. It is important to frame universal school food programs as a prerequisite to learning and fundamental to creating a more inclusive education system that supports student achievement and health.
Learn about the experience of food insecurity, how it differs from hunger, and the root causes. This resource highlights the limitations of food-based responses and explores possible social policy solutions to address food insecurity. It also provides information on the purpose of school food programs for health and learning and tangible actions for school communities to support student well-being.
This report provides an update on the current state of School Food Programs in Nova Scotia (find the highlights in the executive summary, or read the full report).
This resource aligns with the CCRCE Social Justice Framework and offers an opportunity to reflect, process and consider the nuances of food insecurity and food culture. While reading, consider what it means to be an ally and consider the impact of our work – how can we work together to enhance the work already happening at the school-level in this area?
Halloween is an opportunity to reflect on positions of privilege and the impact that certain costumes, attitudes, and practices can have on members of marginalized groups. For information about how to be an ally at Halloween, check out this resource from CCRCE’s School Climate and Relational Approach Consultant.
Advocacy
A network of over 200 non-profit member organization advocating for a cost shared, universal school food program for Canada. Nova Scotia has its own chapter - the NS Advisory for healthy school food.
Resources and activities to get involved in the political advocacy campaign for investment from the Federal government in a cost-shared universal school food program for Canada.
Pg. 35, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives article on the need for a national school food program (SFP) explores the current state of SFPs in Canada, the benefits of a coordinated national program, and how Canada may look to model their own program after other countries.
Celebrated worldwide in October to bring light to the issues of hunger and food security as it relates to improved social policy. Find more info and activities on the website.
Food Insecurity Resources
A Canadian alliance of individuals and organizations working together to advance food security and food sovereignty.
Canadian Food Studies article exploring experiences of food insecurity, shame, stigma, and social exclusion among women in high-income countries: A narrative review.