Yarram Secondary College in south Gippsland has created a welcoming food environment for students to enjoy fresh and tasty food and drinks throughout their school day, as part of the state-wide Vic Kids Eat Well movement.
School nurse Rebecca Tyler‑Brennan and canteen manager Dianne Van De Lustgraaf collaborated with Yarram and District Health Service health promotion officer Michelle Newnham to introduce students to a new fruit and veggie-packed menu through the school’s breakfast club and canteen.
Fruit‑filled smoothies were added to the school’s breakfast club, using fruit from Foodbank, community donations, the school garden and frozen surplus.
“The feel-good smoothies are a big hit with students. Every Thursday morning, there’s a line of students eagerly waiting for a smoothie,” Ms Tyler‑Brennan said.
Students can now also grab fresh fruit, plain popcorn and cut vegetables from the wellbeing room during the day with fruit and veggie platters regularly offered in the schoolyard to keep them well-fuelled for learning and play.
In the canteen, students are now offered veggie‑filled pasta bakes, homemade beef burgers and wraps with a range of vegetable toppings.
“Giving students access to delicious veggie toppings has been really popular,” Ms Van De Lustgraaf said.
Produce from the school garden is also used in snacks such as zucchini slice, veggie soup and homemade fruit muffins.
Through the school’s Paddock2Plate class, students have prepared meals using ingredients from the garden and delivered them monthly to Yarram Neighbourhood House, extending the impact of nutritious food beyond the school gates.
Mrs Newnham said the school’s approach showed how small but practical changes can add up.
“The school has added colourful and nutritious food and drink options for students during the day by building on what was already happening and taking small steps as part of Vic Kids Eat Well," she said.
Mrs Newnham encourages other local organisations to connect with Yarram and District Health Service to tap into their available Vic Kids Eat Well support.
Dimity Gannon, Head of Healthy Places at Cancer Council Victoria, said Yarram Secondary College is a great example of how teamwork can make a difference to a school’s food environment.
“Collaboration across the local community helps students enjoy nutritious food to support their learning, connection and health and wellbeing,” Ms Gannon said.
Vic Kids Eat Well is supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with National Nutrition Foundation.
Schools across Victoria can join for free at: www.vickidseatwell.health.vic.gov.au