17-July-2006
Goldstein Media Releases, Health, Education and Training
10/06EO
Eight bayside schools are helping to spread the healthy eating message to their students through the Healthy School Communities Program, Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein said today.
“The Healthy School Communities Program provides $1500 grants to schools, and school organisations such as parent and friends organisations, to establish programs and projects which help encourage their students to develop healthy eating habits,” said Andrew Robb.
“Hundreds of bayside students have benefited from this program with 8 local schools receiving funding since 2005.”
The local schools participating are:
• Beaumaris Primary School which has set up a program to increase awareness of its students about the benefits of healthy eating and increased physical activity
• Brighton Primary School which has engaged dieticians as guest speakers to discuss healthy eating with students, parents and teachers
• Cheltenham Primary School which has implemented a health school canteen policy
• Gardenvale Primary School which has, in partnership with a local organisation, implemented programs to increase awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and exercise
• Katandra School in Ormond which is involving its students in the development and maintenance of a vegetable garden to reinforce the healthy eating messages
• Ormond Primary School which has engaged guest speakers to reinforce healthy eating messages with parents, teachers and students, host a ‘health lunch’ to demonstrate healthy eating and will also get students to develop and maintain a vegetable garden
• Sandringham East Primary School which has established a vegetable garden to reinforce healthy eating messages
• Sandringham Primary School has developed a ‘no dig’ garden and will use the produce in healthy foods available from the school canteen.
“Childhood obesity, and the long term health issues that it creates, are big issues facing Australian parents and students today. Increased levels of obesity, asthma and other illnesses mean that we need to act now to ensure that our children now and understand the principles of a balanced diet and exercise to stay healthy.
“The Healthy School Communities program is vital to ensuring that our young people get these messages and is one part of a broader Australian Government program to address these issues.
“I congratulate the eight local schools, and schools organisations, who have gotten involved in this important program.”
The Healthy School Communities grant offer has been extended and schools are encourage to apply for funds while they are still available.
Grant applications and information are available from www.healthyactive.gov.au or by contacting the Office of Andrew Robb on 9557 4644.
Media enquiries: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567