FOCIS, Author at FOCIS

Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) Backs Dietitians Australia’s Call for Enhanced Support in Implementing Northern Territory School Nutrition Guidelines

The Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) backs Dietitians Australia’s urgent call for more help for school canteens to implement the Northern Territory School Nutrition and Healthy Eating Guidelines.

With rising living costs, families increasingly rely on school canteens to provide affordable meals, while food insecurity rates continue to climb. FOCIS members are seeing school canteens around the country battle with skyrocketing supply costs and a troubling decline in volunteer numbers, which are essential to the operation of many school canteens.

On the background of these concerns, Leanne Elliston, FOCIS Chairperson and Senior Dietitian at Nutrition Australia said that asking school canteens to comply with mandatory Government policies on healthy food and drink offerings with no additional support is simply unfair.

“The stark reality is that children in the Northern Territory face many dietary challenges contributing to higher rates of iron-deficient anemia and chronic malnutrition. This underscores the urgency of providing access to nutritious meals in the school environment.
“With over 100 years combined experience working in this space, FOCIS members know that the success of healthy food supply policies and guidelines depends entirely on the support of those implementing them.

“Without sufficient resources, school canteen operators face significant challenges in effectively fulfilling these expectations.”

“There is a real opportunity here for Accredited Practicing Dietitians to support the school canteen sector. We throw our support behind Dietitians Australia in calling on the NT Government to provide the financial and practical support school canteens need to break down nutrition barriers and help students develop healthy eating habits for life.”

FOCIS Encourages the Community to Recognise School Canteen Operators Across the Country in Jamie Oliver’s Food Hero Awards

The Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) is encouraging school communities across the nation to nominate their most valued canteen and tuckshop operators for Jamie Oliver’s Food Hero Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication of food champions in schools across Australia who are making a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of students.

FOCIS welcomes award initiatives like the Food Hero Awards that recognise individuals, entrepreneurs, educators, and teams providing nutritious food in schools and shining the spotlight on those inspiring positive change in food in schools.

School canteen operators and volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that students have access to nourishing meals, promoting better eating habits, and contributing to a healthier future.

Canteens are an integral part of the fabric of the school community, connecting students, parents, and staff and their dedication to providing affordable, healthy, and tasty food options deserve to be celebrated and recognised.

Acknowledging these unsung heroes will inspire others to recognise the unique value of school canteens in driving healthier school food environments.

School canteens play a crucial role in providing healthy, nutritious meals to children, especially those who arrive at school with no breakfast on board, or packed lunch in their schoolbag. As food insecurity rises and families get busier, school canteens are more important than ever.

Nominating a canteen operator is simple and can be done by visiting the Jamie Oliver Food Hero Awards website at www.jamieoliver.com/foodheroawards/about

There are several categories your canteen or tuckshop operator, volunteer or staff member could fall under, and we urge everyone to take this opportunity to shine a light on those making a difference in our school canteens.

Together, let’s raise the profile of our food heroes and continue to promote healthier food choices in our schools!

Exciting Changes: Introducing Foodcore Nutrition Services Inc.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news! The Western Australian School Canteen Association Inc. (WASCA) has undergone a significant transformation and is now known as Foodcore Nutrition Services Inc. This change reflects the organisation’s growth and evolution over the past 30 years, during which they have expanded its services with an enhanced focus on promoting healthy food environments across various settings including schools, communities, sports, health services, workplaces, and early years settings.

The decision to rebrand stems from a desire to better represent the diverse services they provide and the wide range of groups that Foodcore collaborates with. As their knowledge of nutrition has advanced and the organisation has grown, it became evident that the name should evolve to match the expanded mission and vision. Foodcore Nutrition Services Inc. embodies a commitment to fostering healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable dining experiences for all.

At Foodcore, a value is placed on the holistic benefits of communal dining. Their mission is simple: to simplify and sustain the provision of healthy, varied, and delicious meals to both large and small groups. Foodcore aims to create and support food environments that are equitable and sustainable, promoting overall well-being within the communities they serve.

A new website is on the horizon, designed to provide valuable information, tools, and resources. In the meantime, you can continue to access all familiar resources through the existing WASCA and Fuel to Go & Play websites.

The organisation’s ABN, address, and phone number remain unchanged.

We support Foodcore in asking you to please update your records to reflect their new name: Foodcore Nutrition Services Incorporated.

Foodcore looks forward to connecting and nourishing communities through sustainable and equitable food environments.

The Critical Role of Nutrition in Early Childhood Development: Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Health and Well-being

This week marked a milestone in the ongoing advocacy for better nutrition standards in early childhood education and care services. Leanne Elliston, FOCIS Chairperson and Executive Officer and Lead Dietitian at ACT Nutrition Support Service, alongside Kirsty Elliott CEO of Nutrition Australia QLD, took to the airwaves on ABC Canberra radio. Their joint appearance underscored the urgent need for nationally recognised nutrition standards and universal access to dietitians within early childhood education settings.

The formative years of a child’s life are crucial for their overall development. Access to nourishing foods during this period lays the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Inconsistent nutrition standards across early childhood education and care services in Australia have led to disparities in the quality of food provided to children which can have long-term adverse effects on children’s health, growth, and development.

Advocates emphasised that every child, regardless of where they are enrolled, would benefit from national nutrition standards to ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to feeding our youngest learners.

Dietitians can play a vital role in planning and overseeing meal programs, ensuring that they meet the nutritional needs of young children. They also provide valuable education to staff and parents about healthy eating habits, which can have a lasting positive impact on children’s diets.

Universal access to dietitians within early childhood education settings would bridge the gap between nutrition guidelines and practical implementation, equipping educators and caregivers with the knowledge and resources necessary to provide optimal nutrition to children.

Following the radio segment, Leanne joined Dietitians Australia and the National Nutrition Network – Early Childhood Education and Care at Parliament House. This collaborative advocacy aimed to bring these important messages directly to policymakers.

The coalition met with key legislators, presenting compelling evidence and sharing stories that highlighted the positive impact of proper nutrition in early childhood. Their united front showcased the broad support for these initiatives and the urgent need for legislative action.

The advocacy efforts are a significant step forward in the push for better nutrition standards in early childhood education and care. As policymakers and stakeholders continue to work towards these goals, the aim is implementation of standards nationwide, ensuring all children have the best possible start in life.

You might ask, how does this relate to canteens in schools?

Parents, educators, and caregivers can play a crucial role by advocating for better quality foods not only early education settings but in primary and secondary schools too. Supporting initiatives that promote healthy eating habits for children in all educational settings is key to a better future.

Federation of Canteens in Schools Provides Submission to Support the Limitation of Unhealthy Food Marketing to Children

The Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) has recently contributed to the public consultation on the feasibility study regarding options to limit unhealthy food marketing to children. This initiative, led by the Australian Government, aims to address the pervasive issue of unhealthy food advertising targeted at children and its impact on their dietary habits and overall health.

The Federation Of Canteens In Schools submission underscores the importance of reducing children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing and the persuasive nature of these advertisements. By advocating for both short-term and medium-term objectives, FOCIS supports a comprehensive approach that not only limits unhealthy food marketing but also aims to improve children’s dietary intakes within a 3-4-year timeframe.

One of the key recommendations from FOCIS is the implementation of a mandatory legislative approach for regulating food marketing, as opposed to the current self-regulatory model governed by industry Codes of Practice. FOCIS argues that a government-led policy with robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms is essential for achieving meaningful reductions in children’s exposure to unhealthy food marketing.

Additionally, FOCIS advocates for a government-led food classification system aligned with national dietary guidelines. This system should restrict the marketing of unhealthy food products and brands associated with these products, ensuring that marketing efforts do not undermine public health initiatives.

The federation also addresses the need for stringent restrictions on various media platforms, including TV, online, and outdoor advertising. For instance, FOCIS recommends restricting unhealthy food advertising on all broadcast media between 5:30 am and 11:00 pm, as well as placing similar restrictions on online and outdoor marketing, especially around schools and public transport corridors.

Moreover, FOCIS supports the restriction of food marketing on packaging and sponsorship of sports, arts, and cultural events, emphasizing the extensive influence these channels have on children’s perceptions and consumption patterns.

By participating in this consultation, FOCIS reiterates its commitment to fostering healthier eating environments in schools and beyond. The submission highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy measures to protect children from the adverse effects of unhealthy food marketing, ultimately contributing to the promotion of healthier dietary habits among the younger population.

Federation of Canteens in Schools Backs Proposed Sugary Drinks Tax to Encourage Healthier Generations

The Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) today expressed its support for the Grattan Institute’s call for a tax on sugary drinks. This initiative aligns with the Federation’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthy school environments through working with Canteen Associations and Networks across the country.

The proposed tax aims to reduce sugar consumption among Australians, particularly young children, and teenagers, who are at significant risk of developing chronic diseases. Increasing the cost of sugary drinks has been shown to reduce sugar intake in many of the countries where a tax has been introduced.

“Supporting a sugary drink tax is a natural extension of our mission to nurture healthier generations,” said Leanne Elliston, Chairperson of the Federation of Canteens in Schools.

“We have always advocated for better food options in schools. This tax is a broader step towards improving food and drink environments and complements canteen efforts across the country in offering healthy alternatives to school children.”

Canteens are doing a fantastic job and have been instrumental in transforming school food environments. Initiatives like a sugary drinks tax are crucial for turning the tide in health outcomes and further supporting canteens in promoting healthier drink choices.

In addition to supporting the tax, FOCIS will continue to work with Canteen Associations and Networks to call on Governments for more funding to ensure the continuation of grassroots initiatives that expose students and parents to healthier dietary choices.

“Providing nutritious menu options empowers choices that benefit student health, but with plummeting volunteer numbers, school canteens are struggling to survive in today’s economic conditions,” added Deanne Wooden, CEO The Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST).

Read the full article here: Federation of Canteens in Schools backs proposed sugary drinks tax to encourage healthier generations – Retail Pharmacy Assistants Magazine (rpassistants.com.au)

Calls for digital black-out on junk food ads as their impacts on kids are weighed up

The Federation of Canteens in Schools has reaffirmed its position to work with the government, canteen associations and stakeholders across the country to empower school communities to make decisions that result in healthy food services.

This follows the Australian Bureau of Statistics finding that Australians are consuming less fruits, vegetables and milk.

Paul Atyeo, ABS health statistics spokesperson, said: “Each person had 186 grams of vegetables a day in 2022-23, down from 200 grams a day in 2021-22.

“We also went from eating 150 grams of fruit to 138 grams a day during 2022-23, while milk products fell from 278 to 267 to grams.”

Bucking the trend was bottled water, up 1.6 per cent from the previous year, along with energy and sports drinks (up 3.3 per cent), and chicken dishes like nuggets (up 2.6 per cent).

Read the full article here: The role of school canteens in promoting healthy food choices – Retail Pharmacy Assistants Magazine (rpassistants.com.au)

Federation of Canteens in Schools Boosts National Health Initiative for Aussie Kids

In response to the need for a concerted effort to prioritise the health and well-being of Australian school children, The Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) and many stakeholders working in the sector united for the first National School Network Meeting of 2024.

High on the agenda was providing a forum for knowledge sharing and cross-collaboration. Participants heard from initiatives and programs that partner with school canteens across the country to support the provision of healthy foods and encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits.

Leanne Elliston, FOCIS Chairperson said that fantastic things were happening in each of the jurisdictions across the country, from members working with canteens in low socio-economic areas to incorporating fruit breaks to school children in regional areas opening and operating their very own school canteens offering to offering to healthy options to their peers.

Each state and territory has differing policies to help parents and children identify healthier options, and while food audits and traffic light systems help; sustainable long-term change can only succeed through a whole-school approach that incorporates the broader community and involves students, parents, and teachers in the process.

Read the full article here: Federation of School Canteens on Health Initiative for Aussie Kids (thirdsector.com.au)

Australian children are back at school – and talking about healthy canteen food is on the table

When Tasmanian children returned to the classroom on Thursday 8 February, it marked the beginning of the 2024 school year for all Australian students – and the Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) says that’s an ideal time to talk about nutrition, well-being, better eating habits and healthy canteen food.

Leanne Elliston is a senior dietitian and executive officer with Nutrition Australia and, in her additional roles as Chair of FOCIS – the peak body working with state and territory canteen associations and networks – she told Education Daily that canteens are an integral part of the learning environment and play an important role in health promotion.

In 2024, Ms Elliston says FOCIS is “strengthening its commitment to fostering an environment that supports the physical and mental development of our young learners”.

“The most important aim for FOCIS this year is to raise awareness of our mission, vision, and values so more school canteens and partners/supporters join us to promote healthy eating in schools,” she says.

Read the full article here: Australian children are back at school – and talking about healthy canteen food is on the table – EducationDaily

Not just a treat, school canteens offer healthy options

As students return to school, parents are facing their own challenge- what to pack in their child’s lunchbox. Heading to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, parents are met by videos of elaborate bento boxes and aesthetic offerings, but the Federation of Canteens in Schools (Focis) reminds parents that they don’t have to do it all.

No longer just a place for a Friday lunchtime treat, the school canteen provides healthy lunch and snack options.

“We want children to be eating healthy foods every day. You can still use canteens as a treat because there are lots of healthy foods that are also treat foods. Hot dishes on a cold winter’s day which is just not going to work in a lunchbox such as a stir fry, curry or casserole, something like that can be an absolute treat and still be healthy,” says Leanne Elliston, nutritionist and chairperson of Focis.

Focis is a national organisation dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing in school through the provision of healthy food. Their goal is to see schools across the nation come together, collaborate and operate under the same healthy food guidelines.

“We want to try and encourage the states to mandate that, some states do have food and drinks policies, but they’re not necessarily mandated. We know when they are mandated, there’s that means of measurement and we can assess and find out what schools are doing well and what schools need support to provide those healthy options.”

Read the full article here: Not just a treat, school canteens offer healthy options | Canberra Daily

FOR THE LOVE OF VEG

‘For the Love Of Veg’ is an upcoming project focusing on vegetables in Australian primary school canteens and we want you to be part of it!

Assist the ‘For The Love Of Veg’ team develop the tools and resources you need to help children eat more vegies by completing this short survey.

There’s $500 up for grabs for one lucky school canteen, all you need to do is complete a simple survey about the way you buy, store and use vegetables!

Yes, seriously that’s how easy it is. Plus there are an additional 10 cookbook packs, valued at $100!

The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete and all your answers are confidential. Click on this link to participate.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation

#ForTheLoveOfVeg

School lunch boxes should be practical and affordable

The pressure to make the perfect school lunch box is on the rise but with parents busier than ever it is important to remember that healthy lunches do not have to be unwrapped or organic.

This article from the ABC shows how Queensland tuckshops are providing healthy affordable lunches that children love to eat.

Remote school launches tiny canteen

The small remote Branxholme-Wallacedale community school, which has only 12 students, has recently opened a student-operated canteen with the help of Healthy Kids Advisors from the Stephanie Alexandra Kitchen Garden Foundation. You can read their story here

Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards

The South Australian Department of Education are excited to announce the launch of the revised Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards.

These standards are recommended as best practice for all public schools and out-of-hours care in South Australia.

Schools play a critical role in creating, promoting and modelling healthy eating behaviours. Providing healthier food options in schools helps to create a positive food culture, leading to improved health outcomes which can have a lifelong impact on children and young people.

More information regarding these standards as well as, recommended food promotion, food safety guidelines and environmental practices can be found by visiting www.education.sa.gov.au/rightbite.

Queensland’s Best Tuckshop Recipes

Congratulations to Southport State School Tuckshop Convener, Angelique Scarpignato, for winning the 2023 Queensland Tuckshops Recipe of the Year competition with her recipe for Butter Chicken.

More information about the competition and this healthy recipe can be found in a recent article by the Bursar.

Food-EPI Australia reports for all jurisdictions

Deakin University have completed their reports for the Food-EPI Australia 2022 initiative.

These are now available online. The Federal Government report was released first as part of the International Congress on Obesity in October 2022, and the jurisdictional reports were progressively released, in conjunction with NGOs in each jurisdiction.

Recipes

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