March is Nutrition Month, a time to highlight the vital connection between nutrition and student success. At St. Clair Catholic, schools are bringing this connection to life in classrooms and communities—teaching students about healthy choices, engaging them in hands-on food literacy activities, and ensuring they have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
A well-fed student is a ready learner. Research shows that proper nutrition helps students stay focused, energized, and engaged in their studies. Schools are incorporating nutrition education in creative ways, from exploring Canada’s Food Guide in health lessons to cooking activities that teach food preparation and meal planning.
A key partner in this effort is the Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP), which provides funding and resources to support universally accessible snack and meal programs across St. Clair Catholic. OSNP’s support ensures that every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to nutritious food that fuels learning.
“OSNP programs do more than provide nutritious meals; they can help create a culture of food literacy in schools,” says Rosanna Waldram, OSNP Community Development Coordinator for Chatham-Kent. “Through hands-on activities and special projects and events, students explore healthy eating in fun and interactive ways, connecting what they learn in class to the food on their plates.”
One of those special events is The Great Big Crunch, which took place on March 6th, bringing students together for a synchronized apple crunch to celebrate student nutrition. Schools were encouraged to share their crunch moments online by tagging @OSNPsouthwest and using #GreatBigCrunch to amplify the excitement.
Beyond daily nutrition programs, OSNP offers initiatives to deepen student engagement. The Soup for School Food Campaign, running the week of March 18, partners with local restaurants to raise funds for school nutrition programs, reinforcing the importance of community support. Additionally, OSNP’s bulk food purchasing program helps schools access fresh, affordable ingredients, often sourced from local farmers.
“OSNP’s work in our schools is life-changing,” says Scott Johnson, Director of Education. “From daily snacks and meals for those who need them to exciting and engaging nutrition campaigns that involve our entire board, these programs ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”
OSNP’s impact is further strengthened by its partnership with Noelle’s Gift, a charitable organization dedicated to ensuring students have the essentials they need to succeed. For over a decade, Noelle’s Gift has provided vital support to school nutrition programs, helping to expand access to healthy food options for students across the district.
This Nutrition Month, St. Clair Catholic celebrates the power of food and the organizations that help make it possible. By combining classroom learning, school meal programs, and community partnerships, schools are setting students up for success—one healthy choice at a time.