Local nod for debut food award

THE first school in Ballarat to take part in an initiative aimed at promoting healthy food and drinks has won big in the program’s first awards intake.

Mount Rowan Secondary College’s staff and students were involved in the regional launch of the Vic Kids Eat Well program last year, with their efforts netting them two of the 10 wins.

With the recipients chosen out of 45 community nominees, Mount Rowan principal Seona Murnane said the awards highlighted the school’s achievements through the program.

“It’s bringing more awareness around what we’re doing in terms of healthy eating for students,” she said.

“The payoff is we’ll have healthier kids and more information sharing with families around what we’ve done here.

Staff and students took from the school’s vegetable garden in delivering healthier options at Mount Rowan’s canteen, which Ms Murnane said set the school apart in their approach.

“It gives us another opportunity to talk about where the food has come from and to talk about seasonal food,” she said.

“It also works as a visual for the students to see how it’s grown and get their hands dirty working in the garden.

“Last year we were having special lunches with maybe a different theme each week. Now, the food is always there so it’s become about getting more regular access to these healthier foods.”

Mount Rowan took top place in the schools category for the Big Bite Award, with nominees having completed one or more of the program’s larger undertakings.

The school’s food tech and canteen assistants Chloe Hewitt and Jody Burgess were the Special Acknowledgement Awards’ Community Champion winners for their efforts in delivering the program.

Ms Murnane said their canteen staff’s win acknowledged their commitment to the program.

“The difference with them is they’ve really got the passion and enthusiasm to really get into it,” she said.

“It’s been great to see them learn about the program and work with Ballarat Community Health and getting excited about delivering healthy food.”

The Vic Kids Eat Well initiative has been delivered through Cancer Council’s Achievement Program in partnership with Nutrition Australia’s healthy eating advisory service, with funding from the State Government.