Schools outlaw frying of fries

Algoma District School Board has developed a fear of frying.

In response to provincial directives aimed at healthier students, the board is dumping its oil and ordering ovens to cook its fries.

"You'll still be able to get a lot of the same things in our schools," said Superintendent of Education Asima Vezina after a board meeting last night. "But some of them won't be cooked the same way."

By September 2011, Algoma District School Board plans to discontinue all deep-frying and to have greatly reduced the amount of high-fat, high-sodium and high-sugar foods available in its schools.

Vezina she told school trustees she wasn't worried in the least about meeting next year's deadline for implementing new provincial policies on nutrition in schools.

By September 2011, all schools in Ontario will have to adhere to new nutrition guidelines for all foods sold on school property.

That means foods in cafeterias, vending machines and treats sold as part of fundraisers like bake sales, said Vezina.

"We're already well on our way," she said. "It's surprising what kids will try and like, once you remove a lot of the fat, sodium and sugar from their diets."

All the district high schools are working toward healthy school designations - a sort of excellence in nutrition status award.

Many kids are all ready loving broccoli dipped in hummus instead of deep-fried potatoes swimming in gravy.

Vezina said the trick is to start early.

That's just what Algoma District public schools have been doing for several years in partnership with Algoma Public Health.

Together, they've been finding ways to incorporate lessons about nutrition across the curriculum, beginning in junior kindergarten.

During last night's meeting, Superintendent of Education Lucia Reece said changing to a balanced school day of two daily nutrition breaks and three equal school activity blocks gave schools an opportunity to educate families about nutrition in almost half the board's schools.

Reece said many notes and letters have gone home with tips, tricks and hints about how to shop for, prepare and serve nutritious food.

Vezina added that, for several years, Algoma Public Health has been bringing a wide selection of healthy fruits and vegetables into 25 district elementary schools and this has created a very positive influence in students' lives.

"Some of them may be trying a new fruit or vegetable for the first time and they are less hesitant to do so in a situation where all their classmates are trying it than they might be at home," Vezina said.