In January 2008, the Government of NL’s Departments of Health and Community Services (HCS) and Tourism, Culture and Recreation (TCR) identified the need to support access to healthy food in recreation, sport, and community settings.

In March 2009, funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Government of NL was approved for a one-year pilot project. Dietitians of Canada was a key partner in the implementation of the program and in its early years, EGAP focused on developing resources and tools to raise awareness about healthy eating among children and youth.

From 2010-2012, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Government of NL continued to fund the program, in partnership with Dietitians of Canada. 

In 2013, the Government of NL partnered with Recreation NL to take on the administration of the program.

In 2014, a new and permanent dietitian coordinator position was implemented for the program. The Government of NL continued to work with Recreation NL to operationalize the program, with a renewed commitment to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Government of NL continues to fund the program through ongoing partnership with Recreation NL. Over time, EGAP broadened its reach to include community members of all ages using recreation, sport, and community facilities. A steering committee, representing the Government of NL, Recreation NL, Sport NL, School Sports NL, and the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle NL continue to guide the program. EGAP has strengthened community involvement through new partnerships with local groups, provincial sport organizations, and municipalities, and has delivered workshops to help food service providers offer healthier options. The program also launched a pilot funding initiative and introduced the Community Healthy Eating Award.