Healthy eating for children
Resources and programs for parents or caregivers of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children
Healthy eating has a significant impact on a child's health. The amount and type of food children need each day depends on their age, gender and height.
Canada's Food Guide
An important step towards well-being and healthy body weight is to follow Canada's Food Guide by:
- eating the suggested amount and type of food each day
- limiting foods and beverages high in calories, fat, sugar or salt
- reading food labels and choosing products with less saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt
Learn more about age-specific healthy eating tips.
Health Connect Ontario
Visit Health811 or call 811 to access free, evidence-based nutrition and healthy eating information from Registered Dietitians to help make informed choices about their health.
Menu labelling
Ontario is the first province in Canada to require menu labelling. This will help people make educated choices when eating outside of the home.
By requiring calories to be posted on menus and menu boards, Ontario will:
- inform people about the calorie content of foods
- make it easier for people to make healthier choices
- encourage healthier menu items
Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program (NFVP)
This program brings no cost fresh fruits and vegetables in combination with healthy eating and physical activity education to elementary and intermediate students in the districts of Algoma, Porcupine and Sudbury.
Programs for Aboriginal communities
Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide: First Nations, Inuit and Métis
A guide to using the Canada Food Guide that is culturally tailored to Aboriginal people.
Urban Aboriginal Healthy Living Program
Program from the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Aboriginal Health Access Centres
Listing of community-led, Aboriginal health care organizations.
Age-specific healthy eating tips
Check Canada's Food Guide for healthy eating tips at any age:
Infants 0-12 months
- breast milk changes as your baby grows and develops to meet their needs
- iron rich foods can be introduced beginning at age six months
Resources include:
Toddlers 12-36 months
- breastfeed as long as possible – to two years and beyond
- a healthy snack should include at least 2 of the 4 food groups
- offer water to drink between meals; when toddlers are active; and when the weather is hot
Preschoolers age 3-5
- pop, diet pop, sports drinks, fruit cocktails, fruit drinks and punches offer little or no nutrition – offer water, milk or fruits
- preschoolers need 2 or 3 healthy snacks per day to stay energized
- a healthy snack should include at least 2 of the 4 food groups
Children age 6-12
- eat meals as a family – this can help create healthy eating behaviours and lower the risk of unhealthy weight gain
- eat meals at the table, not in front of the television
Other resources for parents and caregivers
Drinking healthy beverages
Guidelines for drinking fluids to stay hydrated.
Public Information
