It’s Cool to Fuel: How School Sports Can Drive Uptake in Student Nutrition Programs
June 3
5:00 – 7:00pm, and at points during session breaks
Student nutrition programs often struggle with uptake not because of food quality, but because of culture. School sports and athletics can be powerful partners in shaping positive food culture and reducing stigma around student nutrition programs. Drawing on real-world examples, this presentation will share how coaches, educators, and food service teams can collaborate to make healthy, sustainable meals feel normal, desirable, and aligned with student identity. The presentation offers inspiration and practical ideas for engaging athletes, empowering student voices, and piloting collaborations that help schools become the easiest place for students to access nourishing food.
Bio:
JASON FONGER is an athlete and professional speaker based in Barrie, Ontario. He has worked with 25+ school boards to deliver 130+ workshops that empower students to make healthy, sustainable food choices. Jason collaborates with students, administrators, student nutrition program coordinators, and food service operators to help improve school food environments. His work focuses on student engagement, demand creation, and practical, cross-departmental approaches that make healthy, sustainable foods more accessible, accepted, and embedded in school culture.