Private: BrightBites Blog

Boost school nutrition. Receive recognition. One bite at a time.

Welcome to BrightBites.ca and a new school year! BrightBites is ready with tools, resources and success stories to guide and inspire teachers and other school leaders who are passionate about wholesome food and the enjoyment of eating to spread this passion throughout their school.

We believe that the way food is presented and discussed at school, as well as the eating experience – the surroundings, time for eating, etc., has a big impact on the physical health and mental well-being of students, staff and their families. We refer to this as the school food culture or school nutrition environment. We will explore this idea in future blogs and through Facebook and Twitter.

We are excited to share this innovative program that celebrates small steps that can make a big impact to improve the culture of good food and the enjoyment of eating at school. BrightBites is available in English and French and is designed to work on all types of devices including smartphones, tablets and smartboards.

Teachers and school leaders from across the province can create a team and start earning badges now at BrightBites.ca!

Please Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and email us through our website if you have any questions.

Many of us know that we feel more alert and energized when we make healthy food choices, and feel tired or sluggish when we eat heavily processed or high sugar foods. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that research is showing that a healthy diet can reduce depression and anxiety and promote positive mental health. Plus, taking time to enjoy the pleasures of eating good (whole) foods is good for mental health.

It seems that we could all benefit from being more food literate. This involves knowing a bunch of things about food and eating such as: what to buy (including where your food comes from), how to store, grow and prepare the food we eat. There are many benefits to our mental health of being food literate. It helps us connect with others and gives us a feeling of satisfaction as we prepare and share food together. It also gives us confidence to improvise and problem solve.

Whether you decide to add fresh vegetables and fruit to classroom celebrations, avoid highly processed foods on the catered lunch or cafeteria menu, or offer opportunities for students (and school staff) to learn to cook…they all help to build food literacy.

BrightBites would like to be part of your journey to exploring and growing food literacy for you and those around you. Start earning BrightBites badges today!