School 

Thirsty for Health at School highlights the importance of healthy hydration in school settings at the preschool, elementary and secondary levels. Its goal is to encourage students to adopt healthy hydration habits that support their concentration, well-being and overall success throughout the day.

Elementary school: The Tchin-tchin Challenge 

Since 2017, during the Canadian Water Week and the World Water Day, the Tchin-tchin Challenge encourages elementary school students to drink water during school lunches. It aims to promote water as the best drink for hydration and caring for one’s health, while having fun at the same time.

The Tchin-tchin Challenge is a joint initiative created with The Association québécoise de la garde scolaire.

To DISCOVER THE Tchin-tchin CHALLENGE 

Secondary school: The major new feature for 2026

As sugary drinks continue to play a prominent role in the daily lives of teens, the new Thirsty for Health at School introduces a positive and engaging approach to promoting tap water consumption.

From March 23 to 27, 2026, secondary schools will be invited to choose a day to host a flavoured water tasting booth, a simple and appealing activity that raises awareness among students about the benefits of healthy hydration while offering a concrete experience.

Discover the Secondary Edition

Since 2007, the Policy Framework for a Healthy Change in School aims, among other things, to “ensure that the food supply under the responsibility of the school community promotes the adoption of healthy eating habits”.

This policy states that schools are required to provide nutritious beverages and to eliminate beverages with added sugar and soft drinks that contain a sugar substitute (diets).

Also, in the accompanying Application Guide the Policy Framework, the Department of Health and Social Services indicates that functional and safe water fountains must be “available in or near the dining rooms to allow students to hydrate themselves at the facility. meal time and throughout the day “, and this, in sufficient numbers.

School health change, 10 years later 

Published in 2017, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Policy Framework for a Healthy Change in School, this report presents the findings and recommendations of the Collectif Vital with respect to the supply of beverages in Quebec schools, including water.