Healthy relationship with food and body

Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS) has had a nutrition policy in place for many years. When a health champion brought forward an idea to take a weight neutral approach, the division agreed it was time to update their Administrative Procedure (AP).

School board policies outline the functions of the Board and may also include expectations and specific requirements. APs enhance policies by providing clarity and consistency on how to implement actions and practices outlined in policies.  

In essence, a policy sets the "what" and “why,” while an AP defines the "how." 

From paper to practice

For EICS, revising their AP went beyond putting pen to paper. Understanding the topic, connecting with the right partners and getting buy-in from the whole school community were vital to its success. EICS partnered with the University of Calgary (U of C) 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 development.

A weight neutral approach means focusing on emotional and physical well-being, rather than weight and body size. This approach promotes and supports a healthy relationship with both food and body. Backed by research and best practices, they developed Supporting Healthy Relationships with Food & Body in EICS. This updated AP is about creating environments in schools that support:

• Students’ energy, mood, focus and overall well-being,
• Growth and positive body image
• Healthy relationships with food
• The interconnection between food, physical and social environments at school, and culture

EICS knew that taking this new 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. Division wellness leaders 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 U of C Body Image Lab, the EICS wellness consultant led the CoP using a podcast learning model. Thirty learners listened to a series of podcasts about weight-neutral wellbeing  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. For example, all the administrators at EICS took part in learning about the weight neutral approach to well-being. They practiced using neutral language, like calling foods by their name, rather than using labels like ‘good’ or ‘bad’, while making and enjoying snacks together and playing games.

Leading the way

Once the updated 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 environments like:

• Being role models for neutral language around food and body in conversations
• Using images of diverse bodies in learning resources 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 shared this new approach with families. Letters were sent home about the role school staff, families and students play in fostering a healthy relationship with food and body. They also partnered with local dietitians to create a podcast episode for parents and caregivers. This gives families the chance to learn how they can promote a healthy relationship with food and body with their children. 

EICS sees the updated 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 school culture, climate and their personal lives. Teachers are also sharing stories about changes in their practice because of the professional learning they attended. Having all members of the school community—parents, students and staff—learning about and actioning a healthy relationship with food and body is a surefire way to see lasting change.

Feeling inspired?

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

• Design healthy eating spaces
• Put nutrition policy in place