Universal values such as health and well-being are common concerns among different cultures, races, genders and age groups; thus, becoming a topic and tool for policy-makers. This is because; health and well-being are two important variables an individual needs to have longevity. However, diabetes, obesity, malnutrition and other diseases continue to worry many Canadians. Furthermore, although many wish to have healthier diets, the components to support nutritional dieting are luxurious and privileges. As a result; the Ontario government introduced the "PPM 150: School Food and Beverage Policy," on September 1st, 2011 in order change the nutritional standards of students from as early as elementary school to secondary school (Ontario Ministry of Education). The purpose of this essay is to specifically discuss the nature of the PPM 150 policy, and its attempt to understand healthy dieting. In doing so, this essay will first, explain the guidelines imposed by the policy for schools; secondly, it will discuss the concerns raised about the policy and whether the policy addresses the social and economic consideration of students. Finally, it will demonstrate some of the implicit and important assumptions which have informed the PPM 150 policy.
The Nature and Guidelines of the Policy.
As a provincial effort to offer nutritional standards, the Ontario School and Beverage Policy, seeks to influence positive lifestyle changes for all public-school students. Studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of nutritional dieting, and collectively suggest that a healthy diet leads and provides students to greater academic success (Ontario Ministry of Education). The policy also aims to challenge the issue of obesity in children in Canada, because almost 12 percent of children are considered overweight (Howlett). The nutritional standards of the policy specifically places emphasis on the foods and beverages sold in school: during events, in cafeterias and in vending machines.