School canteens on the frontline in battle against the bulge

16/11/07
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said a healthy overhaul of canteens had seen students' eating habits improve and some profits boosted.
"School canteens, along with parents and the community, are on the frontlines in the battle against the obesity epidemic - and that is why fatty foods and soft drinks can no longer be sold in public schools," Mr McGowan said.
"In their place, students can choose from a range of tempting healthier choices - labelled 'green' foods in the new traffic light system for canteens."
The Minister said when the traffic light system was first introduced earlier this year, there had been some concern that canteen profits might drop.
"This has not been a major issue and some schools have actually reported an increase in sales since the healthier menus came in," he said.
"This is proof that nutritious foods and drinks can be appealing to students."
Schools which have reported increases in canteen takings include Australind Senior High School, Kelmscott Senior High School and Wilson Park Primary School in Collie.
Wilson Park Primary School principal Leanne Sheardown said the response to healthy changes in the school's canteen had been fantastic.
"Sales have increased because there is now a much wider range of food for students to choose from since the healthy choices came in," Ms Sheardown said.
"The colourful fruit salad cups are big sellers, and savvy presentations and catchy names have boosted the popularity of other healthy options."
Kelmscott Senior High School board chair Alan Rendell said the canteen turnover had increased this year as a result of switching to two lunch breaks for students, making the canteen 'self serve' to free-up staff and volunteers for food preparation, and the new healthy options.
"The school board has fully supported the new policy and the introduction of healthier foods and drinks in the canteen," Mr Rendell said.
The Department of Education and Training has advised it is not aware of any canteens in public schools closing as a result of the traffic light system.
Mr McGowan acknowledged the efforts of schools, parents and citizens' groups and the many dedicated volunteers who had put in the hard yards in the canteen kitchen to make healthy menu changes.
"The Western Australian School Canteen Association has been instrumental to this process, training more than 1,220 canteen workers and volunteers on how to create healthier menus and offering support and advice," he said.
"In addition, schools which don't have canteens have worked with their local community and corner shops to deliver a healthy food service to the school."
For more information visit: http:///www.det.wa.edu.au/healthyfoodanddrink/
Minister's office: 9222 9111