A guide to: smart snacking and healthy eating in schools

A guide to: smart snacking and healthy eating in schools 

School communities are increasingly becoming places where healthy habits can flourish. The responsibility for teaching children healthy habits, does not fall only on teachers though. 

A healthy school community involves all partners and sends children the same message in the home, school, and community. Children who attend a healthy school can make informed, healthy decisions that affect their own lives and the lives of their families. It doesn’t take a lot to create a healthier school. 

Some changes include: 

• Incorporating healthy eating in schools and physical activity into the curriculum in creative and fun ways. 
• Developing collaborations with the wider public, such as local food growers, sports clubs, libraries, and so on. 
• Providing opportunities for professional development for teachers and other support staff to teach and promote healthy eating and physical activity. 

Develop a school-wide policy  

As an SBM, having a school policy that can be circulated to staff and parents is vital to help promote healthy eating in your school. To help you get started, here are a few things you can include in your policy:  

• Involving students and parents in guiding school food policies, allowing them to contribute to healthy eating, and acting on their feedback 
• Healthy foods are available in school canteens (check out our blog on reducing your school’s carbon footprint for more information) 
• Providing cool, clean water fountains 
• Giving parents information on healthy eating and active living 
• Creating a school vegetable garden 
• Providing regular fruit and vegetable snack breaks for students 
• Allowing students to bring their own water bottles into class. 

Be a role model  

Positive role modelling by school staff is essential for promoting healthy eating and physical activity.  It helps to demonstrate leadership and commitment, which can inspire others, such as students and parents. 

Teachers can serve as positive role models for their students, parents, and the community. As an SBM, you are aware that students pay close attention to what teachers say and do. Any differences between your words and actions are quickly detected by students. This can be frustrating but remember that students learn by observing and mimicking the actions of others. 

A teacher who makes healthy choices, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, can have a positive impact on their students' health. Therefore, ensure you have all you need for your staff to make the right example for their class. 

What are examples of healthy snacks for kids? 

A quick browse online will help you find a wealth of recommended healthy and nutritious snacks, accompanied by expert advice and information. So, next time you think about what you need to buy for your school, take these suggestions into consideration.  

Examples of healthy snacks for kids include: 

• Bananas, apples, pears or berries - the ultimate in fast food. Some don't even need peeling! You may need to wash some fruit items first. Fruit is high in fibre and helps hydrate your little one. 
• Vegetable sticks made from carrot, cucumber or celery. 
• Wholemeal toast or pitta bread with cream cheese, cottage cheese, peanut butter or hummus. Wholemeal food items such as bread, rice and pasta are higher in fibre and more filling than their non-wholemeal versions. 
• Dried fruit, such as apricots or raisins (but use in moderation, as they're very concentrated in sugar). 
• Yoghurt (full of calcium and protein). 

The best part about these snack ideas is that they encourage students to eat healthier. Snacks that will help them stay focused in class and have the energy they need to get them through their day. All your classes deserve a school day where the students are full of energy, and their bodies can focus on learning.   

Teach children about nutrition  

Nutrition is an important part of a child’s education. Teaching them about the food they eat and where it comes from helps them make healthier choices for themselves. Keep in mind the resources and products that your staff may need to provide knowledge about healthy eating. For example, our Eatwell guide floor mat bundle is perfect for your staff to teach their classes about healthy eating, nutrition and food groups. 

One way to do this is by growing food in the classroom. Having students plant seeds and care for the plants will help them learn what it takes to grow food. It also shows them that healthy food can be delicious!  

Work together with your staff and your wider community to promote healthy eating in schools. By providing your school and staff with the resources, products and knowledge necessary, you’ll be sure to see an improvement in healthy eating in your school.   

Check out our previous blog on how to create an effective learning environment.