No drinks with sugar or artificial sweeteners will be sold in schools from April, under a new Barbados School Nutrition Policy (BSNP).
Minister of Education Kay McConney announced on Wednesday, at the launch of the BSNP, that only unsweetened beverages will be allowed once students return to school after their Easter break.
“Healthy snacks, as recommended by the National Nutrition Centre and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB), will be sold on campus. A list of healthy snacks compiled by the HSFB will be issued to principals, canteen concessionaires, vendors and persons who operate tuck shops at schools,” she said, adding that vegetables must be served with all meals.
While also noting that Tuesdays and Thursdays have been designated as days when healthy dishes must be served in the school environment, McConney said the intention is for this to be “every day.”
“Water Wednesday will continue with two other days in the week. Fruit Fridays will continue with two other days in the week. Students will be allowed to drink water throughout the day, during class time. Primary school personnel and clubs at secondary schools must sell healthier options to raise funds.
“Fitness Fridays will be introduced in all schools. The physical education curriculum will be upgraded up to Form 4. A syllabus, related to healthy nutrition and activity, will be created for early childhood and infant cohorts with allotted periods of program delivery,” the education minister added.
McConney said teachers will also be encouraged to integrate the teaching of healthy lifestyles into other subjects and there will be a focus on healthy eating and fitness in Health and Family Life Education.
There will also be HYPE days (Healthy Youth through Physical Education) at all educational institutions.
McConney said parents will be invited to attend meetings to encourage support for the changes. Likewise, meetings/workshops will be convened with canteen concessionaires to sensitize them about the policy and how they can contribute to a healthy school environment.
The education minister said there will be a syllabus, related to healthy nutrition and activity for early childhood and infant cohorts.
“The younger we get them, the better are our chances of them carrying this through into adulthood,” she said.
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