Eating fresh at school

Campbellfield Heights Primary School principal Susie Bellizia, Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward, students Sophie, Jacob, Layla, Gorges, and canteen manager Jess Nahas (back). (supplied)

Gone are the days of school canteens packed with junk food, as the students know all too well at Campbellfield Heights Primary School which took out a Vic Kids Eat Well award.

One of nine winners in the state, the northern suburbs primary school has added fresh salads, wraps and delicious snacks to its canteen menu as part of the Vic Kids Eat Well movement.

The award acknowledges outstanding community organisations and individuals who boosted nourishing and tasty food and drink options to help kids learn, play and be active.

Canteen manager, Jess, leads the way preparing and serving nutritious food that gives students the energy to learn and play sport.

The school, which has 150 students, wasn’t always as healthy as it is now, but last year with help from the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative, significant changes were made, and the school now provides about 70 students with fresh lunches and healthier drink options every day.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said “Vic Kids Eat Well is a vital tool that is helping to educate children and young people and I congratulate all the winners who are empowering them to make healthy choices”.

Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper, said the Vic Kids Eat Well Awards showcased the healthy and delicious changes happening in canteens.

“Bite by bite, we’re creating a healthy start for Victorian kids along with the support of dedicated community health promotion teams,” he said.

“It is also encouraging to see kids involved in preparing a variety of healthy foods to share with other students.”

Gerald Lynch