For the 435 students at Bright P-12 College in the Alpine region of Victoria’s northeast, the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative has helped them review their school’s food and drink options.
Through Vic Kids Eat Well’s “bite-sized changes”, Bright P-12 College added wholesome, colourful and nutritious snack options and boosted veggies in their lunch meal offerings.
Clementine Brasher, the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, said the improvements have supported the students’ overall health and wellbeing. In addition, students are increasing their understanding about the foods that best fuel their body to learn and play.
Holly Zlatic is a Health Promotion Officer at Alpine Health and is the school’s on-the-ground health promotion professional.
“Holly has provided our school with support to progress through Vic Kids Eat Well so we can increase our healthy options,” Ms Brasher said.
Boosting colourful and healthy options
Bright P-12 College has made tremendous progress through the Vic Kids Eat Well bites and has completed actions such as: “rethink cakes and muffins”, “switch to healthier snacks” and “swap sugary drinks for healthier drinks”.
Their canteen has added freshly squeezed 100% fruit juice, plain popcorn, trail mix and cheese and crackers.
They also offer students chia pudding, lentil pasta with fresh vegetables from the garden, morning muesli and a yoghurt station.
“The students have thoroughly enjoyed the changes. In particular, the muesli and yoghurt station. Sharing breakfast with your friends is a great way to start the day. The fresh fruit juices have also been a hit on a nice warm afternoon,” the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader said.
What’s next from here
Ms. Brasher said the school is in the process of growing their own vegetable garden with help from their students.
“We are expanding our garden and aim to source as many ingredients as possible from our land. Students have been beaming with pride seeing their hard work utilised and enjoyed within our school community,” Ms Brasher added.
Student participation will continue to be an important part of this canteen’s transformation. The school also aims to increase student input into the decision-making process about their healthy food options.
Holly Zlatic said Bright P-12 College has embraced Vic Kids Eat Well and brought the initiative to life in their school.
“It’s wonderful that Bright P-12 College has focused on fresh fruit and vegetables and is helping students learn about food from garden-to-plate ,” she said.
“Fundraising is the last step for Bright P-12 College as part of Vic Kids Eat Well and they’ve already made a start with the Vic Kis Eat Well ‘healthy fundraising starter pack’ reward’,” Ms Zlatic said.