Healthy relationship with food and body

Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) has had a nutrition policy in place for many years. But when a health champion brought forward the idea to add a healthy relationship with food and body focus to their administrative procedure (AP), the division agreed it was time for an update.

Backed by research and best practices, they developed AP 168 Appendix C: Supporting Healthy Relationships with Food & Body in EICS. This updated AP is about creating nutrition environments in schools that support:

• learning
• overall well-being
• growth and positive body image
• healthy relationships with food
• interconnection between food, school environment (physical and social), and culture

From paper to practice

For EICS, revising their policy went beyond putting pen to paper. Understanding the topic, connecting with the right partners, and getting buy-in from the entire school community were vital to its success. EICS partnered with the University of Calgary Body Image Lab and local dietitians to create a Vision for Weight-Neutral Wellbeing in the School Setting.  Creating a shared vision helped set the overall direction of the AP and helped the division stay on course throughout the policy development.

EICS knew that taking this new weight neutral approach to well-being would take time. Staff, students, and families all have their own values and beliefs about food and body that come from different influences. Wellness leaders at the division were determined to approach this shift in culture with patience and compassion.

Gaining buy-in

Learning about the weight neutral approach through a community of practice (CoP) with teachers and other school staff was one way the division gained support. In partnership with the University of Calgary Body Image Lab, the EICS wellness consultant led the CoP using a podcast learning model. Thirty learners listened to a series of podcasts on their own, giving them the time and space to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. Later, they met as a group to talk about the topics. This gave staff the chance to learn, reflect, and grow both personally and professionally.

All the administrators at EICS also took part in learning about a weight neutral approach to well-being. They practiced modelling neutral language while doing things like making and enjoying snacks together and playing games.

Leading the way

Once the new AP was ready, two schools took the lead and piloted the weight neutral approach to well-being. Their wellness consultant offered in-depth professional learning for teachers throughout the school year. Together they tried strategies to change the school and classroom climate, like:

• role modeling positive language around food and body in conversations
• using images of diverse bodies in learning materials and displays
• developing learning activities that encourage students to explore food and movement without reinforcing a diet-based culture
• choosing classroom resources that are positive and inclusive, like books, lesson plans, and videos
• creating calm eating spaces, free of judgement or commentary on food choices

Parents as partners

Knowing that parents and caregivers are important partners in change, the school division is sharing this new approach with families. Letters were sent home outlining the role of school staff, families, and students to foster a healthy relationship with food and body. They also partnered with local dietitians from AHS to create a podcast episode designed for parents and caregivers. This gives families the chance to learn how they can promote a positive relationship with food and body with their children. 

EICS sees the AP as a seed that is now growing and spreading. It is being rolled out across the school division. School staff report having meaningful conversations that impact not only the school culture, but also their personal lives. Teachers are sharing stories about changes in their teaching practice because of the professional learning they attended. The division is working with the University of Calgary to capture these benefits and measure shifts in attitudes and beliefs. The first step is self-compassion, recognizing that we all have a personal relationship to food and our bodies.

Feeling inspired?

For more information and tips to take action, go to:

• Design healthy eating spaces
• Put nutrition policy in place