| "BC school children will benefit from faster, more effective implementation of directives around healthier food and beverage choices thanks to a $1 million investment by the BC Healthy Living Alliance, BCHLA Acting Chair Jean Blake announced today. The Dietitians of Canada BC Region will be the lead organization of this 'School Guidelines Support Initiative' which is one component of BCHLA's Healthy Eating Strategy. " " to make schools healthier and ensure that our children have the energy to learn and achieve their best" said Minister of Education Shirley Bond. "We are pleased to have BC Healthy Living Alliance members on board to assist us in making sure that healthier choices are easier choices in BC schools." " " Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for ActNow BC added "We want students to be sure that 'Every Move is a Good Move' as they choose healthy foods in BC schools. Replacing the 'Not recommended' food and beverage choices with more nutritious options will speed us toward our goal of being the healthiest population ever to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games." " " "This initiative is positioned to shape the food and drink choices and habits of the next generation" said BCHLA Acting Chair Jean Blake. "For example, the evidence shows that reducing consumption of sugar sweetened beverages may be the single best opportunity to curb the childhood obesity epidemic. " " "Looking at the trends in the data, we see an urgent need to speed this transition because of the role schools play in establishing and reinforcing norms" added Blake. "Public places that support healthy choices result in healthier populations. We hope to have the supports for schools in place by September 2007." " " "Healthy eating is a vital part of learning" said Janice Macdonald, Regional Executive Director of the Dietitians of Canada, BC Region. "We are keen to continue to support the school community by providing information, resources, tools and links to community supports
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