Canteen survey shows soft drinks are a fizzer in WA schools

19/07/06 A snapshot of food and drinks sold in Western Australian schools has shown that only a minority of school canteens have soft drinks, chips/wedges, potato crisps and confectionery on sale every day.

19/07/06
A snapshot of food and drinks sold in Western Australian schools has shown that only a minority of school canteens have soft drinks, chips/wedges, potato crisps and confectionery on sale every day.
The State Government's survey of school canteens shows that only seven per cent of schools offer soft drinks for sale every day and only 11 per cent sell hot chips and wedges.
However, 80 per cent of school canteens reported that they had a range of healthy food and drinks on offer daily.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today released the preliminary results of the school canteen survey at the 14th Annual School Canteen Conference and Expo in Fremantle today.
The survey is part of the State Government's current review of the nutritional value of food and drinks in schools, in a bid to curb childhood obesity rates.
Ms Ravlich said while the results showed most schools actively promoted healthier food options, there was room for improvement.
"The key is balance - having a range of nutritious food and drinks for sale in the canteen, and reducing the availability of excessively sugary, salty and fatty foods with little or no nutritional value," she said.
Topping the list of most commonly sold items in a typical week were:

  • flavoured milk;
  • ice creams and icy poles;
  • pies, pasties and sausage rolls; and
  • fruit juices of less than 100 per cent concentration.
The Minister said while most canteen operators offered healthy food for sale every day, these less healthy options were the most popular with students.
"WA is facing a childhood obesity crisis, with 30 per cent of girls and 23 per cent of boys either overweight or obese," she said.
"During their school years, children could eat up to 2,500 meals at school, so it is important that we know what sort of food is being offered in canteens.
"We also know that children who eat healthy food perform and behave better in class."
Ms Ravlich said the survey results showed 88 per cent of school canteens actively promoted healthy food choices and they used incentives such as subsidies, advertising and promotions to encourage students to buy healthier food.
The School Canteen Reference Group is expected to present its findings to the State Government in August.
Minister's office: (08) 9213 6800