This project will be about school tuckshops. It will shine the spotlight on many aspects of tuckshops like how the food is made and is the food supplying the nutrients that kids need in school . This project will include taste tests, surveys and ideas for the future of school tuckshops.
The reason I have chosen this topic is because many people (including myself) eat from school tuckshops and don't know what is in it or were it comes from. In my research I will investigate deeply into school tuckshops around Australia and see if it is a good idea. I also choose this project because it is a very hands-on project as well.
School tuckshop are known for the high fat, high calorie junk food that they serve to school students. They are also known for how they contribute to the rise in childhood obesity and diabetes. After reviewing more than 15 tuckshop menus from around Australia a list has been made of the average hot food served at school tuckshops. Some of the food include Pies, burgers, hotdogs and pizzas. None of these foods look or sound organic and healthy! This means that massive change needs to happen to change that list into a more beneficial list for our kids
Average Hot Foods Served at Tuckshops in Australia
- Party Pie
- Mini Dagwood Dog
- Meat Pie
- Fish Bites
- Meat Pie/Cheese
- Chicken Nuggets
- Potato Pie
- Chicken & Veg Pie
- Beef Bites
- Sausage Roll
- Corn on Cob
- Noodles in Cup (Chicken/Beef)
- Nachos
- Hot Dog with sauce
- Hot Dog, sauce & cheese
- Chick & Gravy Roll
- Pizza
- Lasagne
- Macaroni Cheese
- Fried Rice
- Potato Bake
- Veggie Delight Burger
- Chicken Burger
- Beef Burger
- Chicken Kebab Wrap
- Savoury mince roll with gravy
- Chicken with vegetables and gravy
- Butter chicken and steamed rice
- Sushi
One of the biggest obstacles to removing junk food from canteens appears to be the impact on profits. It has been recognised that profits from canteens can be very valuable to a school's financial appearance. The perception appears to be that if a school dumps all the soft drink, pies, chips and sausage rolls then kids won't buy anything (or certainly buy a lot less of what they used to). All that means lower profits, or so the argument goes.
Many schools believe to have an outright ban on children in the canteen and this is often done with the best interests of children and students in mind. However, new government suggestion states that children should be allowed in the tuck shops. Consider the possible benefits such as School Based Traineeships in high schools or opportunities for younger children to learn about healthy food in primary schools.
The government has released sample school tuckshops to lend a helping hand with schools create the best possible outcome for their students.
Check them out in the links below-
