The WA School Food and Drink Criteria for Parents

The WA School Food and Drink Criteria

What this means for parents and caregivers?

In 2024 the Department of Education updated the Healthy Food and Drink Policy and incorporated it into a broader policy, Student Health in Public Schools Policy, Appendix B. Healthy Food and Drink. This policy is underpinned by the WA School Food and Drink Criteria which is used to classify foods and drinks using a traffic light system.

Creating a supportive environment where healthy food and drink choices are valued and encouraged in the school setting is critical to students health, wellbeing and learning. The WA School Food and Drink Criteria, has been developed based on the latest evidence to support schools to provide healthier food and drink environments in WA schools. The policy applies to all food provided by the school, student lunchboxes are exempt.

Why we need to make a change in the school environment?

• Approximately 2,400 meals are consumed at school from pre-primary to year 12, with children and adolescents consuming at least 30% of their daily energy requirements at school.
• In 2022, only 4.3% of children and adolescents (2-17 years) met the fruit and vegetable recommendations, a decrease from 6% in 2017-18 (National Health Survey, 2022).
• Early years intervention is crucial as dietary behaviours established in the early years often continue onto adulthood.
• Food offered in the canteen needs to reflect the nutrition education messaging taught in the classroom.

Parents can feel reassured that their school canteen will provide:

• Healthy, nutritious and enjoyable meals that their children can choose from.
• Access to the right nutrients required for their child to be alert and engaged in classroom activities.
• A ‘greener’ menu to maintain good health and prevent chronic disease.
• Exposure to more vegetables.