what is a healthy school environment?
A healthy school environment is one in which the school setting supports students’ health and well-being and helps them build a strong foundation for learning. In this environment, good nutrition, physical activity, basic safety, clean air and water, access to care, and education about making healthy choices allow students to thrive. In a healthy school, students learn—through lessons and by example—to value their own health and that of the environment.
What is a Healthy School Canteen Strategy?
School canteens are required to implement a “Healthy School Canteen Strategy”. This requires school canteen menus to comprise at least three-quarters ‘Everyday’ foods and no more than one-quarter ‘Occasional’ foods.
Everyday: Foods from the five food groups including vegetables, fruit, dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese, bread, rice, pasta, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts and legumes. These foods form the basis of a healthy diet and should be eaten every day.
Occasional: Foods and drinks should be selected carefully as they are mostly high in saturated fat, sugars and/or salt and often with little nutritional value.
Sugary drinks and energy drinks should not be sold in school canteens or vending machines.
how can i assess the wellness of my school environment and canteen strategy?
We are a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of spreading awareness and inspiring change among kids, parents, and schools. Hence we are not in a position to assess schools, but rather to work collectively with the school board and offer the expertise of our founders and board members of pediatrics and nutritionists to develop strategies that incite healthier environment to develop healthy kids.
We currently host conferences at schools to educate kids between the age of 3 and 6 – and their parents – on the importance of making healthy choices and adapting the “Healthy Lunch Tray” (HLT) program. During which we address what are the everyday food and occasionally permitted foods and distribute a guiding booklet to help parents and kids adapt to a healthier lifestyle.
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