DPV Health, with support from Vic Health, Nutrition Australia, Dental services Victoria and Obesity Policy Coalition, is inviting peak bodies, education settings and the community to get behind their message to improve food and drink options for children in Victorian government schools.
By signing an online statement, the organisations will form part of a petition to the Minister for Education requesting a change in the Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services Policy in Victoria.
DPV Health chief executive Don Tidbury said almost 99 per cent of secondary school canteens sold food and drink items that were high in added sugar, saturated fat and salt.
He said the Department of Education and Training had the ability and opportunity to mandate the Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services Policy, giving children access to more healthy food and drink options.
“DPV Health work closely with schools in our community to identify and address a range of project areas. The Healthy Schools for Healthy Futures campaign is an initiative of great importance to everyone here at DPV Health as we want to see all children living happy and healthy lives,” he said.
“Since schools in NSW and WA have mandated healthy canteens, more than 95 per cent of their schools provide more than 50 per cent green classified food and drink items.”
Nutrition Australia Vic chief executive Lucinda Hancock said Nutrition Australia supported providing healthy options for children across Victoria.
“DPV Health’s Healthy Schools for Healthy Futures initiative follows on from those in NSW and WA and sets an important precedent of supporting our children and their education by providing them with the food and drink options they need to perform their best,” she said.
DPV Health is inviting people to sign the statement and share the message with their families, friends and colleagues and encourage then to sign and share.
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