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January 28, 2009

Confectionery now banned from school canteens

Victorian parents need no longer worry their child’s lunch money is going towards greasy pastries and sugar-laden treats.

Victorian school canteens have undergone a healthy makeover in the latest attempt to combat Australia’s soaring obesity rates.

From this year, the sale of confectionery in Victorian Government schools has been banned, following the phasing-out of sugary drinks in 2007.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said sugar-rich foods have little or no nutritional value and can be high in saturated fat.

“Research shows that around 37 per cent of a child’s total energy intake is consumed at school so it’s vital that we have a range of healthy options available to help students make valuable food choices,” she said.

 “We want to give students healthy alternatives such as fruit, salads and fresh wraps that will give them the energy and stamina they need for the day.”

The healthy canteen policy is just one of the measures the Victorian Government has put in place to tackle childhood obesity.

Others include mandated sport and physical education, new and upgraded sporting facilities, and the $11 million Free Fruit Friday initiative.

Ms Pike said healthy eating habits should be taught in the home as well as at school.

“Of course, parents also have an important role to play in creating and reinforcing positive habits at home and ensuring children eat the right foods that will help them grow into healthy adults,” she said.

For more information, see: Need some healthy lunchbox ideas?