Healthy meal and snack options are an important part of creating healthy eating environments where we live, learn, work and play. 

The BC School Food Toolkit is designed to support schools to create and maintain nutritious and supportive school environments. The toolkit provides voluntary guidance for those responsible for making food purchasing and meal planning decisions in B.C. schools. Learn more: 

• Healthy schools BC: BC school food toolkit

The BC School Food Toolkit includes information, tips and ideas to help school food programs meet the nutrition and diverse food needs of students. Explore the following pages: 

• General nutrition information
• School food programs
• Tips for feeding kids
• Safety and inclusion
• Fundraising and events

Nutrition suggestions for vending machines and school stores are found in the toolkit. You may also use the general nutrition information to inform products to sell for increased access to nutritious foods. See: 

• Vending machines and school stores
• General nutrition information

These nutrition suggestions and information can also be applied to selling food and beverages in vending machines located in public buildings, recreation centres and other settings.

The Food Lists provide food and beverage suggestions to ‘Serve Frequently’ and ‘Serve Infrequently’ and in smaller serving sizes: 

• Vegetables and Fruits (PDF, 208KB)
• Grains (PDF, 325 KB)
• Proteins (PDF, 181 KB)
• Beverages (PDF, 313 KB)

Find practical resources in the toolkit that support your school’s healthy eating journey, while providing flexible options for an inclusive school food environment. See:

• Recipes
• Sample menu plans
• Videos

School food coordinators and program leads can contact a public health dietitian with questions about how to increase the nutrition of foods served in schools. Find contact information:

• Contacts 

As of March 7, 2025, the BC Ministry of Health sunsetted the 2013 Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. and its related resources: Brand Name Food List, Tips and Recipes for Quantity Cooking: Nourishing Minds and Bodies, School Meal and School Nutrition Program Handbook, Bake Better Bites: Recipes and Tips for Healthier Baked Goods.