International Walk to School Week

Thousands of students from more than 140 schools across the province are walking or biking to school this week as part of International Walk to School Week.

"By encouraging students to walk or bicycle to school we support healthy living in our children and help build a healthier future," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

Schools throughout Nova Scotia with breakfast programs were also invited to hold Walk to Breakfast events as part of their Walk to School Week activities.

"A healthy breakfast improves a child's ability to learn. Healthy eating and daily physical activity are a winning combination," said Mr. Barnet.

Through the Department of Education's Learning for Life II, Brighter Futures Together initiative, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection committed $750,000 to enhance and expand breakfast programs for elementary school-aged children.

International Walk to School Week, Monday, Oct. 2 to Friday, Oct. 6, not only promotes daily physical activity by encouraging students and staff to walk or cycle to school, it also promotes safer communities and a healthier environment.

Chebucto Heights Elementary is the Halifax Regional School Board's poster school this year for International Walk to School Week in recognition of its long-standing breakfast program and efforts to promote active transportation and physical activity.

"Walk to School Week is another move toward healthy, active living," said Education Minister Karen Casey, who participated in the Chebucto Heights' Walk to Breakfast. "Setting aside this week is one more way of raising awareness and promoting physical activity for our students."

International Walk to School Week is organized by the Ecology Action Centre in partnership with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection as part of the Active Kids, Healthy Kids initiative.