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"We were most concerned that the government bans on sugary
and fatty foods would reduce profits or even see the forced
closure of our canteen. We needed to market different lines
and promote ourselves with different suppliers. We realised
that many other canteens were facing the same issues. We decided
to run a Healthy Foods Expo for other schools and ourselves.We
invited companies to showcase their foods and distribute their
literature.
Accordingly, on March 23, 2007 we hosted 43 companies and
32 schools at our school. We also invited our students and
parents/staff - marvellous what advertising free food and
drink will do! It was a great success.
Our canteen has changed menu and seen very little change
to the number of students using it and net profit. We now
meet government requirements, have changed eating habits and
I nominate Koo Wee Rup Secondary College for the Innovation
Award."
- Geoff Pledge, Principal
"We decided to organise a healthy food expo at our school
on 23rd March. The reason for deciding to have one was that
we really enjoyed going to Melbourne to the VSCA expo and
felt that many in our area would benefit from access to a
similar expo in our area. Going to the VSCA expo provided
us with so many ideas to try in the canteen…
For the expo to work well we knew we had to gain the support
of a range of suppliers and bring the schools in the area
on board. To do this we contacted all schools in the area
and provided them with registration forms and information
regarding the day. At the same time we invited a range of
suppliers to participate in the expo. We maintained regular
contact with the participants to ensure that all participants
were kept fully informed and supported.
Our next decision was [about] a venue which could accommodate
a large group of presenters and visitors - our school hall
seemed to offer the best solution and only required organisation
of additional power outlets.
All registration forms had to be returned by March 5th and
I followed up with phone calls to any schools who had not
replied. By this time I was getting a little anxious about
numbers and began to really comprehend the enormous job ahead
of me. Suppliers had started emailing acceptance notes and
additional suppliers made contact offering to participate
as well. Some suppliers who were unable to attend even offered
door prizes and samples for our promotional sample bags for
schools.
The day arrived for the Healthy Food Expo. Normal canteen
duties had to be carried out in addition to setting up the
hall. Volunteer helpers from the college community helped
us to set up the hall and students from the college were magnificent
as tour guides directing suppliers to their appointed positions
and assisting with any other issues that arose....
The City Link tunnel accident and incredibly hot and unseasonal
weather did not deter our suppliers and all was ready to "roll"
at 4 pm. All we were waiting for was the schools, and they
did not disappoint us. As school [representatives] arrived
they were invited to record their school details and were
presented with a complimentary sample bag to thank them for
coming.
Feedback from the participants was that the expo was an overwhelming
success and hopes were expressed for another expo at [the
same time] next year. We were able to disseminate a wide range
of nutritional information to schools in the area and we now
fully understand the enormity of the task VSCA takes on in
organising the Melbourne expos. I would like to take this
opportunity to acknowledge the work VSCA has done in promoting
healthy eating in school canteens and thank them for their
support.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the many sponsors, participants
and college members who helped to make the Koo Wee Rup Secondary
College Healthy Food Expo such a resounding success."
- Heather McMillan, Canteen Manager
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