This page is for parents and caregivers of children and youth. Explore the sections below to find information and resources on various topics related to nutrition for children and youth.
Clients looking for nutrition assessment and support from a registered dietitian can:
- Call dietitian services at HealthLink BC by dialing 8-1-1 or 604-215-8110 in some Northern communities
- Request a referral to a Northern Health clinical dietitian in your area
For more information, contact the Population Health Nutrition Team by email at PopHthNutrition@NorthernHealth.ca.
How to feed children and youth
- Adults decide what foods to offer, and when and where to serve meals and snacks
- Kids decide how much to eat, and which foods to choose from what is provided
- Involve kids in growing, selecting and preparing foods so that they can build their food skills
Resources
- Coaching kids to become good eaters (PDF) - Northern Health
- Cooking with kids (PDF) - Northern Health
- Picky eater? Kids are "eaters in training" (PDF) - Northern Health
- Talking to kids about food (PDF) - Northern Health
- The benefits of eating together (PDF) - HealthLink BC
- Vegetables: A kid-friendly approach (PDF) - Northern Health
What to feed children and youth
- Offer children and youth a variety of foods. As they see foods over and over again, they will build their comfort with a wider range of foods
- Balanced meals include foods from 3 or 4 food groups; balanced snacks contain foods from 2 food groups
- Offer milk or water with meals and snacks. Between times, offer water
Resources
- Lunches to go (PDF) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
- Peanut and nut aware lunches and snacks (PDF) - Northern Health
- Re-fresh your drink: Help kids to choose water (PDF) - Northern Health
- Snackmaster (PDF) - Northern Health
- Vitamin D for children in Northern BC (PDF) - Northern Health
Additional resources
- Energy drinks - HealthLink BC
- How to feed children - Ellyn Satter Institute
- Is sugar unhealthy for children (PDF) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
- School age nutrition (video) - Alberta Health Services
- The journey from dieting to healthy eating: A resource for youth (PDF) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Featured NH Stories
- A dietitians take on the sticky topic of Halloween candy
- How can we help prevent disordered eating in youth?
- Learning to trust: Northern Health dietitians share stories about feeding their children
- Tips for easier school lunches