Schools can be busy and difficult to engage, so working with a provider of school lunch orders is another alternative to ensure healthy school lunches are provided to children.
Dhelkaya Health promotes healthier eating for primary school aged kids by supporting a healthier menu. Their Health Promotion Officer worked with Lunchbox Sushi, the lunch provider for many children across Mount Alexander Shire. Lunchbox Sushi provide lunch orders to approximately 500 to 600 kids each week at six primary schools, including Castlemaine, Castlemaine North, Chewton, St Mary’s, the Steiner School and Winters Flat. The lunch order menus at these schools now meet the ‘School Canteens and Other School Food Services Policy.
Changes were guided by the Health Promotion Officer and assessed using the Healthy Eating Advisory Service FoodChecker Tool. They include the removal of salty pickle from the ‘Mountain Vegetable Roll’, and removal of mayonnaise from almost half of the rolls on the menu. Cucumber was added to the spicy beef rolls and healthier tuna, not canned in oil is now used. These changes were quite simple to implement and have resulted in prevention at scale.
“Working with food providers rather than individual schools can make a bigger impact on healthier school lunch orders in our regional area.”, said Liza Shaw at Dhelkaya Health.
How has your organisation worked with local schools or businesses to promote healthier menu options?