How to address food security at your school
With the increased cost of living impacting families across the state, many are feeling the pinch.
Affordable living costs and food security often go hand in hand, which means the food budget might not stretch to fill Crunch&Sip® or lunchboxes with enough food to see students through the day. If your school is looking for ways to support families who may be doing it tough, here are some ideas.
Develop partnerships
Partnerships can help address food affordability and accessibility for families who may be feeling the pinch from ongoing price increases.
To ensure all students can access fruit and veg your school might like to approach the local community store or a local grower to seek regular donations for Crunch&Sip®.
You can approach organisations that have a food bank and enquire about donations or support for families in need. Some food banks that are widely available across WA include Foodbank WA, Second Bite and OzHarvest. There are also plenty of other local groups that work to address food security. You can find out more here tinyurl.com/food-community.
Offer food literacy education for parents and students
Educating parents and students on food literacy can help address food security. Various courses available can teach parents and students how to be resourceful with food (use all parts), how to budget for the weekly shop, and how to store food effectively.
Programs that focus on food literacy:
• Packed with Goodness (Cancer Council WA) – a FREE nutrition education program for parents of primary school-aged children at all Western Australian schools. **We have just launched our regional version making the information more accessible and relevant to regional communities across WA. Find out more or book here tinyurl.com/4882ee2j.
• Food Sensations (Foodbank) – an interactive cooking and nutrition session available for adults as well as children. To find out more visit tinyurl.com/4u5acmez.
• EON Foundation – a nutrition and garden education session working with remote Aboriginal communities and schools in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
• Fair Game – a health education program for rural and remote communities across Western Australia.
School vegie garden
Starting a vegie garden is a great way to get around supply issues when it comes to fresh produce. Fresh food that is grown can be shared for Crunch&Sip® or given out to families who belong to the school community. Getting students involved in a school vegie garden is also a great learning and development opportunity. Not to mention growing vegetables and fruit can help encourage healthy eating, develop fine and gross motor skills, and teach students about patience and responsibility. Win, win!
Programs that can help your school get started:
• Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation – this kitchen garden program is available to all schools in Australia.
• EON Foundation – the nutrition and garden education program tailored to remote Aboriginal communities and schools in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.