Local Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services are sparking students’ interest in nutritious foods by providing opportunities to learn, explore and try a range of fruits and vegetables.
Services in Bass Coast and South Gippsland were recently invited to participate in the South Coast Food and Nutrition OSHC Challenge. The challenge encouraged services to involve students in nutritious food activities such as preparing, cooking and trying a new recipe, or exploring the smells and flavours of new fruits and vegetables.
Congratulations to Our Lady Star of the Sea Cowes TheirCare OSHC and Wonthaggi TheirCare OSHC who were announced as the winners. Both services receiving a prize pack including a vegetable growing set, bush foods card game and a box of local produce from Grow Lightly.
Enjoyable and nutritious foods play an important role in our health and wellbeing. Children and young people who eat nutritious foods in their everyday lives can be more alert and interested in activities, which can improve their concentration, memory and learning.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Cowes TheirCare OSHC provided students with the opportunity to make their own nutritious afternoon tea. OSHC Coordinator Nicole said, “We spoke about how different foods help our bodies grow, give us energy, and support our wellbeing."
Wonthaggi TheirCare OSHC focused on providing a nutritious and diverse selection of food, while actively involving children in the planning and preparation. Children at the service developed and implemented the concept of an OSHC restaurant, which has since evolved into a series of child-led cooking experiences.
OSHC Coordinator Katrina said, “It has been rewarding to see children discover new favourites and are now often requesting foods they were initially hesitant to try.”
The challenge was run by the South Coast Prevention Team, a partnership between Bayside Health Regional and South Gippsland Hospital.
Health Promotion Officer Georgina from the South Coast Prevention Team said, “Creating environments that encourage children to explore colourful fresh produce can promote openness to new fruits and vegetables and supports building a positive relationship with food.”
OSHC services in the challenge are being supported to promote student health and wellbeing through Vic Kids Eat Well, a statewide initiative increasing nourishing food and drink options in OSHC services and schools.
Delivered by Cancer Council Victoria in partnership with National Nutrition Foundation and supported by the Victorian Government, it is locally implemented by the South Coast Prevention Team.
For support boosting nourishing options on your OSHC menu or introducing new nutritious food activities, contact prevention@basscoasthealth.org.au