School lunches go under the microscope

16/05/06
School canteen managers have been asked to conduct a detailed audit of all food and drink sold in Western Australian schools.
The survey is the latest phase of the State Government review of the nutritional value of food being sold in WA schools.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the survey would provide a snapshot of the food and drinks sold in school canteens, vending machines, and provided in breakfast programs.
Ms Ravlich said the ultimate aim of the review was to encourage students to eat healthy food and help address the issue of childhood obesity.
"We want to make sure our students are being offered healthy food, not meals that are high in fat, sugar and salt," the Minister said.
"It has been proven that students who eat well also perform and behave better in the classroom."
All schools around the State have been sent a copy of the survey, which asks for information about canteen sales during 2005, as well as an audit of all food and drink sold during an average week at school.
Ms Ravlich said all schools which returned the completed survey by June 2 would go into the draw for a $1,000 prize for the school's parent body to use for their canteen or educational activities.
The School Canteen Reference Group includes representatives from the Department of Education and Training, Department of Health, WA School Canteen Association Inc, WA Council of State School Organisations, school administrators' associations and parents.
The reference group is expected to present their findings to the State Government in August this year.
For more information about the survey and the review contact Ms Lynda Suchodolski at the Department of Education and Training on 9264 4998.
Minister's office: 9213 6800