School canteens defy ban on sale of sweets and high-sugar drinks

John Masanauskas

Herald Sun, 23 October 2009

DOZENS of public school canteens are defying a ban on the sale of sweets and high-sugar drinks.

Up to 7 per cent of canteens are still selling confectionery like chocolate bars, lollipops and marshmallows, according to a recent State Government audit.

Confectionery was banned in government schools from this year and sugary drinks were outlawed in 2007 amid concern over students' health and fitness.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said that the vast majority of canteens were complying with the bans.

"It is vital that our schools lead by example when it comes to healthy living and our moves to make school canteens even healthier are an important part of that," she said. But many schools are paying a price for the shift to healthier food.

Vermont Secondary College principal Tony Jacobs said he supported the bans, but profits had been cut due to the need to hire more canteen staff. Start of sidebar.

"You need to have a person to manage the canteen and another hand on deck to prepare fresh and healthy food," he said.

"We vary the menu regularly and we are selling a lot of wraps and sandwiches and less pies, pasties and sausage rolls."

Parents Victoria spokeswoman Sharron Healy said there were diverse opinions about the bans.

"Some parents say there's no need for a ban, some say the odd treat at school is fine and others believe it's a great idea," she said.

"As an organisation, we support the work that has gone into healthy canteens as being better for our children."

More than 100 randomly selected schools were checked for the content of their canteen food over the past three months.

The audit found 93 per cent of schools had banned high-sugar drinks and 94 per cent had complied with the confectionery ban. Based on the several hundred schools that have canteens, it is expected that dozens are defying the bans.

Ms Pike said the Government ran various healthy eating programs, including the provision of free fruit and vegetables on Fridays for more than 110,000 prep to year 2 students.

"We want Victorian children to grow up happy and healthy and part of that is ensuring they enjoy a balanced diet and experience all the benefits that come with a healthy and active lifestyle," Ms Pike said.

Other programs include Healthy Start in Schools grants and the Kitchen Garden Project involving chef Stephanie Alexander.