Weeroona College Bendigo is leading the way in creating a colourful and nutritious school canteen thanks to the Vic Kids Eat Well movement and strong local support. The secondary school of nearly 800 students has transformed its canteen with free guidance from Bendigo Community Health Services, after first connecting through the Cooking For Change program delivered in partnership with Bendigo Foodshare.
Rebekah Hughes, canteen manager at Weeroona College Bendigo, previously ran her own food business and brought knowledge and passion to the school canteen which sells over 1000 lunches per week.
“Since progressing through the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative, students are eating more fruit and vegetables than ever before and our canteen sales have increased dramatically,” said Ms Hughes.
Mr Jason Bysouth, principal of Weeroona College Bendigo, said the canteen supports student wellbeing.
“Our school canteen plays a vital role in promoting students’ wellbeing by providing healthy and delicious meals. When students eat nutritious food, they are better equipped to focus, learn effectively, and maintain a positive mindset, proving that healthy eating truly supports healthy minds,” he said.
Dimity Gannon, Head of Healthy Places at Cancer Council Victoria, commended Weeroona College Bendigo and the local support.
“We congratulate Weeroona College Bendigo, Bendigo Community Health Services and Bendigo Foodshare for leading the way in creating a healthy, vibrant food environment for students. This partnership shows the power local organisations have in coming together to support students’ health and wellbeing,” Ms Gannon said.
Mandy Hutchinson, CEO of Bendigo Community Health Services, was proud of the results.
“This success shows what’s possible when schools and local organisations work together. We encourage other Bendigo schools to join the Vic Kids Eat Well movement and take advantage of the free local support available to make delicious and healthy canteen swaps for their students,” Ms Hutchinson said.
Embracing Vic Kids Eat Well, the school completed eight “bites” (actions) to boost nutritious food and drink options. Seasonal menus now feature homemade beef burgers with school garden-grown vegetables and house‑pickled cucumbers on wholemeal buns. Classic favourites have been reimagined, including veggie‑packed pies, tuna and corn fritters and Japanese pancakes. In‑house hot meals now include dahl, lasagna, burritos and soups – prioritising flavour, vegetables and affordability.
Water is now promoted to students as the drink of choice, with healthier options like small flavoured milks, 100% fruit juices and sparkling water also available. Fruit salad, frozen yogurt cups and fruit smoothies have taken canteen spots traditionally filled by confectionery and sweets. New snacks now round out the school's offer, including homemade popcorn, rice wheels, date balls and low‑cost seed‑and‑fruit mixes.
“Limiting processed foods and making homemade versions where possible has been very rewarding,” Ms Hughes said.
“Harvesting from our school garden and tailoring the menu to what’s in season is a sustainable way to run the canteen,” she said.
Vic Kids Eat Well supported the school with rewards including cooking equipment and signage to promote the refreshed menu. Free tastings encouraged students to try new flavours, with positive feedback and strong uptake.
Sebastian Goscha, the health promoter from Bendigo Community Health Services who supported the school in person, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Rebekah. This partnership shows that student lunches from the canteen can be packed with nourishing fruit and vegetables and still be delicious.”