Students and teachers at 30 primary schools in northern NSW are benefiting from grants to help grow their kitchen gardens, to support the Live Life Well @ School Program to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health, Kathryn Watson said a total of $15,000 has been awarded to 30 schools in the region.
Live Life Well @ School is a joint initiative between NSW Health, the Department of Education, Catholic and Independent Schools to support children to have healthy food and be more active during the school day. Healthy eating and active living have clear learning and wellbeing benefits for children.
Schools can contact their local NSW Health Support Officer to learn more at: NNSWLHD-eatmoveplay@health.nsw.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“School gardens can foster children’s wellbeing and lead to increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
“School gardens provide learning opportunities for students and can engage the wider school community in the process.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:
“We are delighted to support so many schools in our region to start up or revitalise their edible gardens.
“Some schools are using the grants to grow bush tucker or to distribute or sell produce to the local community as a fundraiser.
“It’s great to see so many schools linking their gardens to Live Life Well initiatives including vegetable, fruit and water breaks (Crunch&Sip®) and the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy.”
School garden grant recipients are: