Local schools and outside of school hours care programs (OSHC) are being supported to promote students’ health and wellbeing through the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative.
Vic Kids Eat Well is a state-wide movement that increases nourishing foods and drinks in school breakfast clubs, canteens, lunch orders, fundraising, and OSHC menus.
Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with the National Nutrition Foundation.
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).
The South Coast Prevention Team are currently offering $200 to eligible schools and OSHC to support actions that promote nutritious food and drink options for students. Actions could include establishing or further funding a kitchen garden, trialing new options on the menu or developing a student-led cookbook.
Welshpool & District Primary School have recently joined the Vic Kids Eat Well movement and utilised the incentive opportunity to refresh their veggie garden and boost nutritious vegetable options on their breakfast club menu.
School Principal Gabrielle Boyd says, “We are excited to team up with the South Coast Prevention team to deliver the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative”.
Gabrielle added, “Staff and students will redevelop our current vegetable garden to produce fruit and vegetables which can be cooked up ahead of time, frozen and then added to the breakfast club menu. What a wonderful way to connect over healthy, school grown food!”
South Gippsland Hospital Chief Executive Officer Paul Greenhalgh congratulated Welshpool & District Primary School, saying, “Well done. Involving students in growing, harvesting and cooking fresh produce is a great way to increase nutritious foods in the school."
Mr Greenhalgh further commended everyone involved in the initiative saying, “Congratulations to all local schools and outside of school hours care working to create positive change through their involvement in the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative”.
Enjoyable and nutritious foods play an important role in our health and wellbeing. Children and young people who eat nutritious foods in their everyday lives can be more alert and interested in activities, which can improve their concentration, memory and learning. By harnessing the power of community and taking simple steps, the Vic Kids Eat Well movement helps to create supportive environments for students to learn, play and grow. For more information or to utilise the $200 Vic Kids Eat Well opportunity please contact prevention@basscosthealth.org.au