'All the fun stuff, all gone': B.C.'s school food guidelines would impact bake sales, fundraisers

A Surrey mom says the province's new proposal on food in schools are far too restrictive, and could mean the end of popular and profitable fundraisers like pizza day.

A Surrey mom says the province’s new proposal on food in schools is far too restrictive, and could mean the end of popular and profitable fundraisers like pizza day.

Until April 30, the province is inviting feedback on a draft set of guidelines that apply to school cafeterias and vending machines, but also to what can be sold or served at parent-organized hot lunch sales, fundraisers, classroom celebrations, and sporting events.

Cindy Dalglish is the president of the parent advisory council (PAC) at Ecole Woodward Elementary. Hot lunch sales organized by groups like hers, she says, are key to raising money for equipment, supplies, and extra-curricular activities.

“All the foods to avoid are all the things that PACs currently use. No more hot dogs, no more pizza, nor more popcorn, no more freezes, all the fun stuff, all gone,” she says.

The new proposal divides food into two categories: foods to offer, serve or sell; and foods to avoid.

The first category includes fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread products and pasta, legumes, lean meats, plain yogurt, unsalted nuts, and eggs.

The list of things to avoid includes cookies, cake, ice cream, chicken nuggets, French fries, popsicles, processed cheese, pudding, hot chocolate, chips, and sugary cereals.