Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Executive Council
March 2, 2015

Healthy Choices Create Positive Work Environments

Nutrition Month Focuses on Healthy Eating in the Workplace

March is Nutrition Month, and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat, joined with representatives from Dietitians of Newfoundland and Labrador today (Monday, March 2) to sign a proclamation to help raise awareness on the importance of healthy eating. This year�s theme is Eating 9-5!, which highlights ways to inspire people to eat better at work, and make positive changes for a healthier workplace.

�Nutrition Month is an excellent opportunity to focus on the importance of good nutrition and the impacts it has on our overall well-being. We all have the capacity to create healthier environments where we live, learn, work and play. Our government recognizes the benefits of healthy eating ,and how essential it is to support and promote healthy choices and lifestyles for all citizens.�
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Nutrition Month is an initiative of Dietitians of Canada. The association, which represents registered dietitians across the country, has more than 100 members in the province.

This year�s campaign focuses on the five common challenging times employees face during the typical 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. workday: rushed mornings; meetings, events and the workplace; lunchtime; the mid-day slump and commuter cravings. The same pressures are, of course, felt by those who work other shifts during the day and night.

�As an employer, the Provincial Government recognizes the importance of living a life that balances home and work. A major component of that healthy balance is ensuring we eat nutritious foods throughout the day. The theme of this year�s Nutrition Month, Eating 9-5!, provides us with great ideas and suggestions on how to ensure we are getting the right nutrients during the work day.�
- Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat

The Putting Health on the Agenda   document was developed for the public service to promote health and wellness in the workplace. The Healthy Meetings and Events Policy promotes the integration of healthy eating into the work setting by providing an easy-to-follow plan to create and support healthier meeting and events.

�The workplace is the ideal setting to promote and practice healthy eating habits because research shows that eating well at work can boost concentration and productivity. The Dietitians of Newfoundland and Labrador are grateful for the commitment that this government has shown to promoting healthy eating. We would like to thank them for their continued support of initiatives such as the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Provincial Food and Nutrition Action Plan, Eat Great and Participate, Kids Eat Smart, Food Security Network, School Milk Foundation, Healthy Baby Clubs, Baby Friendly Initiative and the Provincial Wellness Plan.�
- Christina Tucker, Co-chair, Dietitians of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government partners with several organizations to provide programs and services which focus on healthy eating and wellness. These include, but are not limited to:

• Kids Eat Smart Foundation, which sponsors nutritious breakfast and snack programs for school-aged children;
• Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, which promotes community-based solutions to increase access to adequate healthy food for residents;
• Eat Great and Participate program, which aims to increase access to healthy food and beverage options for children and youth in recreation, sport and community facilities and at events; and
• The School Milk Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador which increases access to milk for school aged children throughout the province.

For more information about Nutrition Month, including Eating 9-5! tips and fact sheets, dietitian advice and more, visit: www.dietitians.ca/nutritionmonth.

QUICK FACTS

• March is Nutrition Month in Canada. This year�s theme is Eating 9-5!, which highlights ways to inspire Canadians to eat better at work and make positive changes for a healthier workplace.
• Nutrition Month is an initiative of Dietitians of Canada, the association representing registered dietitians across the country, with more than 100 members in the province.
• The 2015 Nutrition Month campaign focuses on five common challenging times employees face during the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours: rushed mornings; meetings, events and the workplace; lunchtime; the mid-day slump and commuter cravings.
• For more information about Nutrition Month, including Eating 9-5! tips and fact sheets, dietitian advice and more, visit: www.dietitians.ca/nutritionmonth.

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2015 03 02                              3:55 p.m.