Campbellfield Heights Primary School has added colourful and tasty items to its canteen as part of a statewide healthy eating initiative.
The school has joined Vic Kids Eat Well which aims to support schools, outside school hours care, sports clubs and community organisations to boost the nourishing canteen or lunch order options they offer.
Principal Susie Bellizia said the school joined the program to further support student wellbeing.
“We see our canteen as an opportunity for students to access delicious, healthy food and drink options so they can eat and feel well at school while they’re enjoying learning and playing,” Mrs Bellizia said.
Canteen manager and parent Jess Nahas said the school navigated the canteen improvements as part of Vic Kids Eat Well with the help of DPV Health senior health promotion co-ordinator Adele Chenoweth.
“We’ve done simple things like offer fresh salad wraps for students who want to try something other than a bread roll – this was based on student feedback. Our new baked chicken burgers are bestsellers too. They feature lite cheese, lettuce and the option to add fresh tomato. We also offer students free whole fruit and sell popcorn and packaged fruit cups,” Mrs Nahas said.
We’ve been able to showcase our nutritious menu to families who can easily pre-order online, knowing their kids have freshly-made options at school.”
Student Shamoon said the salad wraps at the canteen were his favourite because they give him they energy he needs to learn, while Aisha said eating the healthy food on offer made her feel joyful.
Ms Chenoweth said the school has been highly engaged in Vic Kids Eat Well.
“We’ve focused on easy wins with Vic Kids Eat Well by adding crunchy, fresh veggies to the school’s canteen offerings. I love that they’ve had student input into the canteen changes. Their canteen manager Jess has been really eager and their principal embraces opportunities to boost what’s on offer for her students,” Ms Chenoweth said.
