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.