As teachers, administrators and parents rush to find a solution to the changing dynamics, the chain — with stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick — has already implemented an applicable healthy eating menu, thanks to similar B.C. regulations enacted in 2009.
“Our experience meeting the guidelines in B.C. has proven we have a selection of kid-friendly pizzas that meet the rising nutritional standards being mandated by provincial governments across Canada,” says Sean DeGregorio, the Panago CEO, alluding to the laws also in effect in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Now, schools can sell cheese, pepperoni, chicken and pineapple or garden veggie pizzas from the chain, as they fall under the best of three nutritional content categories mandated by the Ontario government. And, Panago has taken things a step further, introducing a pepperoni pizza with 370 mg of sodium per slice — 590 mg less than the recommended serving.
To cover the fruit and veggie food group, the pizzeria also offers salads and promotes 100 per cent organic juices.
