HEALTHY FOODS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT IN QUEENSLAND TUCKSHOPS

Healthy food will be given the “green light’ in Queensland tuckshops this year (2007) with all state schools implementing a traffic light system for what to serve students.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said the Smart Choices Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools, became mandatory in state schools on 1 January.

“With around one in four children now considered overweight or obese, schools can help tackle growing childhood obesity by motivating students to develop healthy lifestyle habits at a young age,” Mr Welford said.

“Poor diet and obesity can affect students’ confidence and academic performance and those who make healthy choices now are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood.

“It’s appalling that Australia has among the highest levels of childhood obesity among the world’s developed nations. By addressing this issue in schools, we hope to influence students’ diet and behaviour at home.

“I firmly believe that a healthy diet is even more important for long-term health than high levels of exercise. By encouraging children to adopt a healthier lifestyle at an early age, we can help them avoid major health problems such as diabetes and obesity later on.”

Under the Smart Choices policy, foods high in fat and sugar (red) will be severely restricted, not-so-healthy foods (amber) will be moderately available, and fresh fruits and vegetables and other low-fat options (green) will be readily available.

“A lot of state schools have already implemented new healthy menus, and many Catholic and Independent schools have also adopted the system,” Mr Welford said.

“Schools that implemented these changes early have witnessed benefits such as higher levels of classroom attention and alertness in students throughout the day.”

Under the program, “green” foods will be readily available and include wholegrain breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and fish.

“Amber” foods such as full-fat dairy products, processed meat, cakes, muffins and fruit juice will be available in moderation.

“Red” foods which are high in saturated fats, salt and sugar, including soft drinks, meat pies and deep-fried snacks, will only be available twice a term.

The new guidelines, developed by nutrition experts, will not only apply to tuckshops, but also to fundraising ventures, vending machines, excursions, camps, classroom rewards and sports days.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985