Yarrawonga Health, in partnership with the canteen lease provider and dietetic students removed all sugary drinks from sale and reduced the serving size of fruit juice and flavoured milk to achieve the Vic Kids Eat Well Big Bite milestone.
Yarrawonga Health, in partnership with Sweet and Sour Sisters (a family-owned catering company who lease the canteen space), have been working to improve the food and drink offerings at Yarrawonga College P-12. Yarrawonga Health, Health Promotion workers have supported the canteen staff every step of the way to help the school align their menu with Nutrition Australia’s Healthy Eating Advisory Services (HEAS) policy directive.
Localised data collated by Deakin University as part of the RESPOND project in Moira Shire, demonstrated a need and opportunity to deliver health promotion projects that focussed on increasing knowledge, awareness and access to healthy food for school aged children.
No change without challenge! The Sweet and Sour Sisters have faced challenges such as being unable to order low-fat cheese in bulk quantities and product shortages due to the recent flood event and COVID-19 affected manufacturing sites. Significant price increases on staple items have also impacted the pace at which healthy changes could be implemented at the Yarrawonga College P-12 canteen. Despite these challenges, the college have made good progress regarding improvingto improve their food menu, have achieved one of the four Big Bite milestoness -– ‘Refresh the fridge’, by removing all sugary drinks from sale and reducing the serving size of 100% juice and flavoured milk offerings. They have also been creative in their marketing of healthier alternatives to students.
Two university placement students studying dietetics assisted this project by reviewing the original menu on offer; placing all the menu items into the (HEAS) Food Checker database and producing a comprehensive report which categorises food based on a traffic light system. The students developed a list of healthier food and drink alternatives and consulted with the Sweet and Sour Sisters, providing practical solutions to implement these options.
Our next focus is on healthy fundraising events in lieu of sausage sizzles and soft drink. We are promoting our collaborative achievements through social media and word around the town!
If you would like to start creating a healthier food and drink environment at your school or sports club, please contact the Health Promotion team at Yarrawonga Health: Siobhan Johnston at: siobhan.johnston@yh.org.au or Jenny O’Brien at: jenny.obrien@yh.org.au
We would love to hear from you!