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Why your involvement matters

When parents model healthy eating habits and support school food initiatives, it reinforces the nutrition messages children receive at school. This involvement creates consistency between home and school, making it easier for children to adopt and maintain healthy habits. Parents also contribute valuable cultural and community perspectives that help shape school programs to better meet community needs. When schools and families work together, they form a strong, united partnership that supports students’ health and wellbeing.

Show me how
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Becoming a voice for healthy food and drink environments

Parents can be powerful advocates for improving the school food and drink environment. Building a strong network of support among other parents and caregivers amplifies the call for healthier options and demonstrates to the school that the community values good nutrition. Actively engaging with school leadership to discuss the benefits of healthy food for students’ health and learning is essential.

By collaborating with school leaders, rallying fellow families, and utilising freshSNAP’s tools and support services, parents can help shape and sustain initiatives such as improved canteen menus, nutrition education, and school-wide healthy eating campaigns. Together, these efforts create a consistent and supportive environment that enhances student learning and wellbeing.

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Creating a healthy food environment at home

  • Set a good example. Kids are more likely to eat well when they see parents choosing nutritious foods regularly.
  • Get the kids involved. Encourage children to help pick recipes, shop for groceries, and prepare meals to make them more interested in trying new foods.
  • Make family meals a priority. Aim to eat meals together as often as possible, creating a positive and distraction-free atmosphere.

Remember that children start to develop food likes and dislikes from an early age, so offering a variety of foods is important. It may take several attempts before your child likes a new food; patience and persistence is key.

Try our recipes the whole family will enjoy!

FAQ’s

Ask us anything

Why is healthy eating important at school?

Healthy eating is essential for children’s growth, learning, and overall wellbeing. Nutritious food helps students stay focused, energised, and ready to learn throughout the school day. It supports brain development, improves concentration, and can positively affect behaviour and mood.

Developing healthy eating habits at school also encourages children to make better food choices outside of school, setting them up for long-term health. Since students consume a large portion of their daily food at school, creating a healthy food environment makes a big difference.

How do schools support healthy eating?

Schools can promote healthy eating through nutritious canteen options, integrating nutrition education in the classroom, and other health promotion programs that support healthy eating messaging.

Can parents influence the school’s food environment?

Yes! Parents can play a powerful role in shaping a healthier food environment at school. By sharing ideas, expressing support for nutritious options in the canteen, and getting involved in school committees or wellbeing groups, parents can help guide decisions in the school.

When parents work together and communicate with school leadership in a respectful, solution-focused way, schools are more likely to respond to community needs. Partnering with freshSNAP can also provide resources and support to drive positive, lasting change.

Are your services free?

Yes, all FreshSNAP services are free of charge.  

Where can I get help?

The freshSNAP team is here to support you and are just a phone call or email away. You can contact us by calling (08) 6182 2260 or emailing freshsnap@nnf.org.au

Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram too!

 

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