Local schools and outside of school hours care (OSHC) are promoting nutritious and delicious food and drink options for students through their involvement in Vic Kids Eat Well.
Vic Kids Eat Well is a state-wide movement that’s focused on boosting nutritious food and drink options in the places children spend their time, including schools and OSHC.
Foster Primary School were all smiles after receiving recognition for their efforts in creating a menu with nutritious items, including veggie filled Japanese pancakes, dumplings, rice paper rolls, sushi and fruit salad. These simple and effective actions create a supportive school environment that promotes students’ ability to access nutritious and delicious food options that give them the energy to feel their best across the school day.
South Gippsland Hospital Chief Executive Officer Paul Greenhalgh congratulated the local schools and OSHC involved in the program, saying, “Vic Kids Eat Well is a valuable settings-based initiative and I congratulate all the local schools and outside school hours care for their involvement.
A great education starts with children and young people having the energy from a variety of foods to focus and learn. Kids who eat nutritious foods in their everyday lives can be more alert and interested in activities, which can improve their concentration, memory and learning.
Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with Nutrition Australia. It is implemented locally by the South Coast Prevention Team (Health Promotion workforce of Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital).
Twenty schools and OSHC programs across Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires are now part of the exciting movement. The South Coast Prevention Team provides on-the-ground health promotion support to review menus and help local schools and OSHC select simple swaps as part of the initiative.
Schools and OSHC are eligible to receive rewards as they implement nutritious changes through the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative. The South Coast Prevention Team further support settings to continue their journey towards meeting relevant nutrition policies and guidelines, and to receive further Victorian Government Recognition through Cancer Council Victoria’s Achievement Program.
Together we can create supportive environments that give local kids the nutritious start they deserve.
Visit www.vickidseatwell.health.vic.gov.au to join the movement today and be supported by a member of the South Coast Prevention Team. For more information contact prevention@basscoasthealth.org.au