PREPARED BY: Environmental Health
DATE: 2026-03-12
SUBJECT: Secondary Schools Food Handler Certification Collaboration
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) promotes food handling practices by providing education during routine compliance inspections and recommending all staff employed in the food industry complete the provincial food handler training and certification program. Although the O. Reg. 493/17 Food Premises Regulation only requires one food handler be present during every hour of operation, the WECHU recognizes that more educated food handlers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in the community. Being proactive by introducing food handler education before individuals enter the food industry is an important strategy.
Secondary school students, particularly those enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program represent a distinct group that can benefit from this training. They gain stronger food literacy skills, and importantly, a valuable and marketable skill that supports employment in the food service sector.
DISCUSSION
The WECHU has partnered with the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) to implement a coordinated initiative to offer food handler certification to secondary school students completely free of cost. This initiative will prioritize students, belonging to secondary schools located in high priority neighbourhoods, by supporting in school access to the training and certification needed to better prepare for work opportunities in the local food industry.
As a pilot, five GECDSB secondary schools with a total of approximately 142 students enrolled in the SHSM program, will be part of this initiative beginning in Spring 2026. The school board will coordinate with WECHU staff to schedule training dates as well provide space in each school for conducting the sessions. Each session will be a total of 2.5 hours which includes food safety content overview followed by a one hour an exam proctored and delivered by the WECHU’s Public Health Inspectors. Offering these sessions in the school setting will help reduce logistical challenges and support higher participation rates. This coordinated approach will help ensure that students can access the training in a convenient and supportive environment. Moving forward, in collaboration with all local boards, the WECHU will explore additional opportunities to expand this school-based initiative and integrate similar training into other secondary school programs where food safety skills and education would be relevant.