Canteen menu revamped after Eat Well initiative

WEEROONA College Bendigo has transformed its canteen under the guidance of the Vic Kids Eat Well movement and support from Bendigo Community Health Services and Bendigo Foodshare.

The Government-backed Vic Kids Eat Well program provides schools and other environments where kids spend their time with clear, simple and achievable steps to making healthy food and drink options available to them.

Seasonal canteen menus at Weeroona College now feature homemade beef burgers with school garden-grown vegetables and house–pickled cucumbers on wholemeal buns, while classic favourites have been reimagined, including veggie–packed pies, tuna and corn fritters and Japanese pancakes.

Hot meals include dahl, lasagna, burritos and soups, while fruit salad, frozen yogurt and smoothies have taken canteen spots traditionally filled by confectionery/sweets.

Canteen manager Rebekah Hughes, who previously ran her own food business, said since progressing through the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative students are eating more fruit and vegetables than ever and sales have increased dramatically.

“Limiting processed foods and making homemade versions where possible has been very rewarding, and harvesting from our school garden and tailoring the menu to what’s in season (has been) a sustainable way to run the canteen,” Ms Hughes said.

“Our canteen plays a vital role in promoting students’ wellbeing by providing healthy and delicious meals,” principal Jason Bysouth continued.

“When students eat nutritious food, they’re better equipped to focus, learn effectively and maintain a positive mindset, proving that healthy eating truly supports healthy minds.”

Find out more on the Vic Kids Eat Well website.