STUDENTS at Kalianna School have ditched the party pies and the sausage rolls in favour of healthier options.<\/p>\n
The school completed a total transformation of its canteen, collaborating with the City of Greater Bendigo\u2019s Healthy Kids Advisor initiative.<\/p>\n
Rob Brown, who is part of the VCAL team at Kalianna, said the project was a perfect coincidence, as the initiative came about at a time the school\u2019s leadership team wanted to change up the canteen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got rid of 29 of the 31 non-healthy options out of our cafe, we did a complete transformation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all fresh produce, fresh salads, and 95 per cent of it is all locally grown and purchased so it\u2019s supporting our local community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two things happened at the perfect time, we were wanting to change and then I started making connections with the Healthy Kids Initiative, it was the perfect union at the perfect time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gone are processed foods such as chicken tenders, chicken wings and hot dogs, replaced by fresh salad bowls and focaccias.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got students who would devour their $5 worth of tenders, they\u2019d have their mini pizzas, their sausage rolls, it was their staple diet every day,\u201d Mr Brown said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose kids now, they\u2019re getting salad bowls, a toasted focaccia or a veggie snack box.\u201d<\/p>\n
VCAL Students work in the canteen alongside staff, building skills such as food handling, customer service, stock management, and hygiene.<\/p>\n
Mr Brown said the healthier food options have led to children concentrating better in the classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids have got so much more focus, we\u2019re not seeing the behavioural challenges or attention challenges later in the day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re able to hold their attention and energy levels all day long. A big part of that is because of the healthier food and drink they have access to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bendigo\u2019s Healthy Kids Advisor, Rebecca Fry, said the project at Kalianna highlights the benefits healthy foods can have on the wellbeing of young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes it can feel overwhelming in terms of where to begin when considering changing the food and drinks offered in a school,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can provide that additional hands-on support to listen and understand how to add in more delicious, healthy food and drink options that are right for the individual needs of each school.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the Healthy Kids Advisor for Greater Bendigo, I will continue to collaborate with families, council, and Bendigo Community Health Services to support other interested schools who want to explore the benefits of pleasurable food education or implement Vic Kids Eat Well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a free service supported by the Victorian Government and the Australian Government and funded to June 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
STUDENTS at Kalianna School have ditched the party pies and the sausage rolls in favour of healthier options. The school completed a total transformation of its canteen, collaborating with the City of Greater Bendigo\u2019s Healthy Kids Advisor initiative. Rob Brown, who is part of the VCAL team at Kalianna, said the project was a perfect […]<\/p>\n