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Schools play an important role in promoting health and wellbeing. To create the greatest impact, involve the whole school community including principals, teachers, parents, and students.

A Health Promoting School is a school that is continually strengthening its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning, and working. Students can support a ‘whole school approach’ to health and wellbeing by being advocates within the school community.

Students are encouraged to try these top 10 tips to make a difference in your school!

1. Meet with your Canteen Supervisor

Ask about the current menu, plans to improve the menu and find out how you can get involved. For more detailed questions, the Canteen Supervisor may refer you to the parent body or Canteen Committee who oversees canteen operations.

2. Find out if your school has a student advisory group or health committee

These groups can often provide feedback on meal choices and help with school events. This is your chance to get involved and have your voice heard!

3. Talk to the school Principal and/or parent body about fundraisers

All food and drinks provided in public schools must comply with the Department of Education’s Student Health in Public Schools procedures, Appendix B. Healthy Food and Drink. This includes fundraisers organised by the principal or teachers, but excludes fundraisers organised by the parent body. Advocate for school fundraising to use non-food-based options when possible.

4. Put some positive peer pressure on your friends

Encourage them to try the healthier menu choices and new varieties of fruits and vegetables offered from the canteen. Sometimes we all need a little encouragement to give a new food a try!

5. Consider a school garden

Students are far more likely to eat fruits and vegetables when they raise the produce themselves. To get you started, check out the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

6. Organise a recipe contest

Work with the Canteen Supervisor to create competition rules and send any suggested recipes to FreshSNAP for assessment – the winning recipe could end up on the canteen menu or on the FreshSNAP website.

7. Host a fruit and vegetable taste testing session

Use produce from the garden, or sample a new canteen menu item. No one can pass up a free sample, so taste tests are a fantastic way to encourage students to try new foods.

8. Show your canteen staff some appreciation

Show the people who work in your canteen that you appreciate their hard work to serve up healthy items. Place a thank you note in the school newsletter, on the school Facebook page or thank them at an assembly.

9. Ask for a copy of your schools

Healthy Food and Drink Policy Find out the process for updating it. This document establishes guidelines on all food and drinks provided at school e.g., canteens, classrooms, camps, and excursions.

10. Don’t forget to buy your school lunch

The more students and staff who use the canteen the more opportunities the canteen will have to make healthy improvements to the menu.

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