Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

First Nations children have a high prevalence of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. School nutrition policies (SNPs) may improve the diet and health of First Nations children by guiding food and drink choices and promoting nutrition education within schools. However, the success of SNPs depends on several factors, including parent and student support of the overall policy guidelines and goals. A First Nation school in Alberta has implemented a SNP as a way to improve nutrition for children. This research involves the community and aims to understand the 1) students and parents' perceptions of the policy, and 2) student and parent factors acting as facilitators and barriers to its success. This research aims to strengthen the current SNP to reflect the perceptions of the community and minimize barriers, in turn improving children's access to healthy food choices. This knowledge will further provide recommendations for developing SNPs in First Nation schools in order to promote healthy eating and healthy weight among First Nations children in Canada.