The Good for Kids ~ Good for Life program encourages children to eat healthily and engage in regular physical activity.
It aims to combat childhood obesity and put in place habits, which will encourage all children to maintain a healthy lifestyle that they can carry into adulthood. Our participation in the Good for Kids ~ Good for Life program is supported by the Department of Education and Hunter New England Health and has been fully endorsed by the Sandon School Council.
What is involved?
1. Healthy Lunch Boxes
Parents are asked to ensure that their children bring healthy foods that are low in saturated fats, salt and sugar for recess and lunch each day. Include: sandwiches (rolls, wraps, and low fat crisp breads), vegetables, fruit and water. If packing tinned food like baked beans or tuna please transfer the food to a small plastic container at home as ring pull cans are a safety hazard at school. Don't forget the ice brick to keep food fresh.
Do not pack:
packaged snacks like chips, biscuits, cakes, roll-ups, chocolate, lollies, cordial or fruit juice drinks. Cans of drink and drinks in glass bottles are not permitted at school. Food treats like Easter eggs and candy canes cannot be distributed at school. Adults wishing to reward children are asked to choose a non-food treat.
Children are not permitted to share their lunches with others at school.
2.Canteen
Our canteen has many healthy options on its menu including salads, apple slinkies, sandwiches and homemade soup in winter. Treats should be limited.
3.Crunch and Sip
All classes have a time during the day (usually in the morning session) when the children can have a short Crunch and Sip break during class time. A small quantity of fresh fruit or vegetables should be prepared ready for eating and packaged in a small reusable container. The children do not have a long time for this break so bite sized pieces that do not require peeling or slicing are ideal - especially if teeth are wobbly!
Children are also encouraged to bring a clear plastic water bottle labelled clearly with their name to school each day so that they can sip on it when needed. This is managed differently in each classroom but your child's teacher will tell you how they do this. Water is the only drink permitted in the classrooms.
(The theory behind Crunch and Sip is that children learn well when they eat well and sip small quantities of water regularly. Children need at least 2 serves of fruit each day and about 5 half cup serves of vegetables. Children who have to eat an early breakfast often require an energy boost early in the school day and a quick munch on some carrot or cucumber sticks, a piece of apple or a few grapes will provide the energy they need to get them through until recess at 11.10am)
4.Food allergies
Some children have food allergies and intolerances which may lead to an anaphylactic reaction. Parents are asked to ensure that their child's class teacher is aware of any special needs, at the beginning of each year.
Peanuts and products including peanuts should not be sent to school at any time.
5. Education
- Throughout the year each class will engage in learning activities to increase every child's awareness of the components needed for a healthy and active lifestyle as part of their regular program.
- From time to time the children will be given opportunities to taste different healthy foods
e.g. raw vegetables.
- Information for parents will be included regularly in the school newsletter.
- Our annual Healthy Breakfast will highlight healthy options to start the day.
6. Additional Information
- www.goodforkids.nsw.gov.au
- www.healthykids.nsw.gov.a
- The Fresh Tastes NSW School Canteen Strategy mandatory for all NSW Public Schools – http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2004/fresh tastes.html
- www.healthyeating.org
- NSW School Canteen Association –
- www.healthy-kids.com.au
- www.gofor2and5.com.au
- www.livelifewell.nsw.gov.au