The new policy – which means flavoured milk and juice can’t be offered or sold as part of school meal programs, in vending machines, at fundraisers or during any special events – is being hailed by public-health experts who say other provinces should follow suit as a way of dealing with a looming issue: An estimated 30 per cent of children between five and 17 are considered overweight or obese in Canada.

“They are actively taking a step that will help students’ health,” said David Hammond, professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo.

“Marketing is a huge industry. Marketing to children, of unhealthy choices, is affecting their preferences, their family relationships and their long-term health. Watch any documentary about the sugar industry (e.g. Fed Up, Sugar Coated) and you will quickly learn the hold that the food industry has on our lives.”

“It is hard to fight the prevalence of marketing in our lives, but being aware of it is a first step. What can you do to reduce the effects of marketing to children? Visit stopmarketingtokids.ca for a list of ways to influence policy in Canada. At home, reduce and monitor screen time for children; cook real food at home and involve your children in cooking; read labels and do not get influenced by marketing of products to kids; just because the package says, “safe for school” or “contains real fruit” does not mean it is a healthy choice for children. Instead, choose foods from Canada’s Food Guide with a focus on vegetables, fruit and whole grains”