Celebrating healthy innovation

We are proud to have our Healthy Kids Advisors initiative represented in this year's Vic Kids Eat Well awards. 

The awards celebrate the dedicated communities who go the extra mile to boost their food and drink environments, and ensure accessible fresh options in the spaces where children live, learn, and play. 

Last year, our Healthy Kids Advisors supported 40% of the award nominations, and this year, their wonderful communities have made a strong comeback as they continue their fabulous collaboration to freshen up the lives and lunchboxes of Victorian children and young people. 

Congratulations to the following winners: 

Heywood & District Secondary College - Big Bite Award

Supported by Jane Killmister, our Healthy Kids Advisor for the Shire of Glenelg, this small but mighty school have introduced a successful program empowering students to design their own school canteen menu. Gathering fortnightly to prepare and serve delicious fresh meals, their menu now includes optional sides of crunchy coleslaws and vibrant greens salads. They have also boosted their traditional BBQ with some tasty veggie patties and homemade hamburger options. 

Peter Krenz Leisure Centre - Big Bite Award 

Located in the heart of the City of Greater Bendigo, this centre has revitalised kiosk options by partnering with local suppliers and offering creative fresh meals, with the support of Rebecca Fry, their local Healthy Kids Advisor. Since implementing these fresh changes the centre has seen a huge increase in profits. Read more about their journey here. 

St. Joseph's Primary School, Coleraine - Kids Champion Award

Creating a legacy for future generations, the year six students at St Joseph's kickstarted their very own 'Kids Kitchen'. With the support of Monique Sobey, Healthy Kids Advisor for the Southern Grampians Shire, they created a logo and a wholesome, nutritious menu and were on their way! They prepare food every Wednesday to sell to their peers, creating fresh meals that can also be frozen and reheated, and have kept the momentum going by training the year five class to take over next year. 

Kerrie Smith, Bolwarra Primary School volunteer - Community Champion 

Kerrie is a passionate volunteer in the canteen at Bolwarra Primary School in the Shire of Glenelg. Supported by Jane Killmister, Kerrie loves teaching the children kitchen skills that most of us take for granted. For example, she shows the students how to hold a knife safely to chop ingredients and explains the difference between mixing and beating. We recently profiled Kerrie as one of our Canteen Champions, read the full feature here. 

 About the Healthy Kids Advisors initiative 

The Healthy Kids Advisors initiative is delivered by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and supported by the Victorian Government and Australian Government. 

This community engagement initiative is active in 13 priority communities to spread pleasurable food education and encourage participation in the state-wide Vic Kids Eat Well movement. 

In collaboration with local health promoters, Council and community, our Advisors offer free support and simple ideas to boost healthy and delicious food and drink in schools, sports clubs, after-hours care and council-run facilities. 

Want more information?

Visit the Healthy Kids Advisors news page or contact us at hka@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au

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