The Healthy Eating Schools (HES) Program, which currently services 120 schools, is the largest school-focused nutrition health promotion program in Victoria. The program is run by Dietitians and Nutritionists who are experts in the field of school health promotion, and offers individualised, hands-on support for schools wishing to create an  enviornment that promotes the health and wellbeing of all students. Nutrition Australia has developed a number of resources that can be used in conjunction with the HES program to inspire healthy eating and physical activity.

The Program is based on the Healthy Promoting Schools Framework, focusing on three areas;

• the school curriculum;
• the school environment and organisation; and
  
• families and the community.

The HES program is flexible in allowing schools to identify issues and implement activities that are most important and relevant to their individual school needs. The program assists schools in developing a school nutrition Action Plan/Policy to ensure healthy changes are successful and sustainable. These changes are designed to complement existing health activities and programs already occuring within the school, to ensure sustainability whilst minimising th need for schools to make excessive changes.

Additional activities included in the program cover healthy lunchbox workshops, nutrition articles for parent newsletters, canteen menu advice and resources to promote class fruit breaks.

Here's what our schools have to say... 

Grade 1 and 2 learn about the benefits of fruit while eating free Kiwi Fruit

As part of the1/2 Unit on Healthy Living, Eltham North Primary School (ENPS) students enjoyed a visit by Kelly Neville from Nutrition Australia. Kelly came bearing gifts of Kiwi fruit and ‘Let’s Get Fruity’ posters for over 130 students.

Students gathered in the school atrium to hear Kelly’s news about the Healthy Eating Schools Program. Kelly praised the children for their part in the initiatives undertaken at ENPS, such as the new flourishing fruit trees, the fresh fruit break and healthy fund raising focus. She then presented our principal David Foley with a terrific sign from HES that will be used to help promote healthy eating and healthy eating for ENPS children.

Next students got to taste the very juicy Kiwi Fruit provided by Kelly. Many children were keen to experience the new taste of Kiwi fruit and discuss its origins and nutritional value. Students then collected posters to share with their families.

Since Kelly’s visit, teachers are commenting on the number of children enjoying Kiwi fruit during their morning fruit break, as well as the variety of choices students are making as a result of their willingness to try something new! The fruit posters for all the students to take home were much appreciated and now we also have one on display in each classroom.

Nutrition Australia’s feedback has been great and the HES Award will feature in the newsletter and be on prominent display, as we share our commitment to healthy eating and healthy living for children, with our community.

Robyn Gibson – Teacher

Eltham North Primary School

Reclaim the Lunchbox Workshop: Help parents get the lunchbox right from the first day

Schools often tell us that parents try to make lunchboxes healthy for their child, but often get it wrong. Prep orientation evening is the ideal opportunity to get all new parents together and clarify what is and what isn’t healthy to ensure lunchboxes are right from the very first day.

A Nutrition Australia staff member can visit your school and inspire your parents to provide healthy lunchboxes and support your school’s efforts in instilling healthy habits and optimal learning.

What can we provide?

• A one hour workshop at your school presented by a qualified Dietitian/Nutritionist
• A marketing flyer to help promote the event
• A lucky door prize

What topics do we cover?

• Nutrition for children
• Healthy practical snack and lunch ideas
• Which drinks are best for children?
• How to make healthy eating fun
• How to handle fussy eating
• Food safety and role modeling
• Food label reading activities

What resources will you receive?

• A variety of nutrition resources for your school
• A colourful recipe book, presentation handouts and food variety activity for every attendee
• FREE newsletter inserts that reinforce healthy lunch messages introduced in the workshop to use in your school newsletter
  

For more information on the Reclaim the Lunchbox workshop, email Melissa Colosimo mcolosimo@nutritionaustralia.org or call (03) 9348 0244

Healthy Eating School Resources

The Nutrition Australia Victorian Division has developed a range of school resources based on the Health Promotion Schools framework to assist schools in making healthy successful changes.

These include:

• Healthy School Policy - Action Plan Manual
• Fundraising Ideas for Healthy Kids
• School Newsletter Inserts CD ROM - Series II

The Packing a School Lunchbox DVD, a 15 minute educational film, has recently been launched to support schools in their endeavour to educate and inspire parents with healthy lunchbox ideas. 

Nutrition Australia Online Shop

For more information on the above resources or to order a copy, please visit the Nutrition Australia Online Shop

www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/catalog/teachers-health-workers