STUDENT DRIVE
HEALTHY HABITS The life of the working parent can feel like a collection of scattered decisions, of trying to set up the next step, only to realize it’s already passed them by. Fitting in healthy lunch preparation is just another piece of this puzzle that often gets lost under the couch, though it’s one that really shouldn’t be overlooked. Studies say that the place where it’s hardest for kids to access good and healthy food is at school—and it’s where they need it most. With most foods consumed at school being quick and easy packaged foods that are loaded with sugar, sodium, and artificial flavourings, children’s dietary habits are at risk. These early food choices soon become established adult lifestyles, where reaching for junk food in the cupboard will act as the norm. Even in looking at the immediate health effects, a lack of nutrition through their day means your little one’s brain activity and energy levels suffer while their focus on education depletes. Fear not, busy parents: we know that you’re trying to do it all and sometimes you just can’t. You’re not in this alone; you can advocate for support to be brought into your child’s school that will ensure they’re accessing healthier foods during those prime learning hours. Following Toronto’s “Real Food for Real Kids” program, Dennis Rogers reworked the model to suit Windsor-Essex’s school environment. Since grade schools in Windsor don’t run cafeterias, the idea for “Green Heart Lunch Club” is to serve as a cafeteria service that delivers healthy food as individually packaged meals (in biodegradable packaging). Since their launch in 2012 with two schools— Kingsville Public and Bellewood Public— Green Heart is now catering to 29 schools and seven daycares. “Looking at the hot lunch options back when I went to school, it was all hot dog days and pizza. We know it’s still out there,” Dennis
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