3/12/06
Fried foods and soft drinks will be off the menu in Western Australian public schools, as students take part in compulsory physical activity in a new bid to combat obesity.
Premier Alan Carpenter today launched comprehensive nutritional guidelines for school canteens and requirements for Year One to 10 students to do at least two hours of physical activity per week during school time.
Mr Carpenter said compulsory physical activity would start in the new school year, while the aim was to have healthy changes to school canteens in place by August 2007.
"Childhood obesity is one of the most serious issues facing our children with 30 per cent of girls and 23 per cent of boys in this State either overweight or obese," he said.
"During their time at school, children can eat up to 2,500 meals, so it is crucial that the food and drinks sold in school canteens are nutritious.
"Physical activity, in conjunction with healthy eating, is vital."
The new physical activity requirements in schools are supported by the Premier's Physical Activity Taskforce.
The Department of Education and Training is supporting schools to meet the new requirements with professional development and resources.
"Schools are also encouraged to provide opportunities for students to be physically active during breaks, and before and after school," the Premier said.
The new nutritional standards will be supported by $1million for resources and support for schools, through the Australian Better Health Initiative, a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative.
Mr Carpenter said under the new guidelines, foods and drinks which did not meet minimum nutrient criteria set out under the WA School Canteen Association's (WASCA) Star Choice system would be off the menu.
"The key is balance - having a range of nutritious food and drinks for sale in the canteen and cutting out foods with little or no nutritional value," he said.
"I recognise that many schools and canteen operators already provide a range of healthy food for students.
"The new guidelines are about helping all schools make positive improvements to provide a healthy environment for students."
The Premier said school canteens would use a 'traffic light' labelling system to ensure students made healthy choices.
"Foods labelled 'green' are those which are high in nutritional value and should be available every day and widely promoted to students," he said.
"Foods which should be eaten in moderation will be labelled 'amber' and should only be available sometimes - no more than twice per week.
"'Red' foods - those which do not meet minimum nutrient criteria - should have no place on the menu in WA school canteens."
Other key points of the new guidelines:
- the role of school canteens is to provide a nutritious food service to students and staff, and promote healthy eating as part of a whole school approach to fostering healthy lifestyles;
- canteens can provide affordable food and be financially sustainable through selling healthy food and drinks; and
- principals will be required to report annually to parents through the school newsletter about their school's compliance with the nutritional guidelines.
Mr Carpenter said the new guidelines would apply to all canteen operators, whether canteens are run by P&C Associations, external contractors or local caterers and shops that provide a food service to schools.
"The guidelines also cover the supply of food and drinks for classroom rewards, school camps and excursions," he said.
The Premier said schools across the State would have ongoing access to support including training for canteen staff and volunteers, sample menus, a website and building links with other health initiatives.
Mr Carpenter said he recognised that some schools in regional and remote areas could find it challenging to source fresh and healthy foods.
"These schools can get help to set up buying groups with other schools to increase purchasing power and the ability to source healthy products," he said.
Click on PDF icon to view details of a school canteen menu.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
