Located in Cranbourne North, Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) is part of Vic Kids Eat Well and offers a unique before and after-school experience for up to 35 local primary school children, focusing on healthy, nutritious snacks and active participation in the kitchen.
At Merinda Park, traditional snack options like corn chips and puff pastry scrolls have been replaced by healthier alternatives such as soft wholemeal tacos and pita bread. The menu now features fresh fruit and vegetable platters and wholesome dishes like zucchini slices and veggie-packed curries, steering clear of processed foods.
Merinda Park’s hands-on culinary approach sets it apart. The Centre engages children in daily food preparation activities. Kids actively chop, stir, and taste, learning essential cooking skills, teamwork, and responsibility. They also explore new flavours with various exotic fruits, making snack time an adventurous learning experience.
This innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. The Centre was honoured with the Schools and OSHC category award at our 2023 Monash Health Health Promotion Awards and state-wide OSHC Big Bite at the 2023 Vic Kids Eat Well Awards. This recognition underscores their commitment to the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative and their impactful health-focused programming.
Merinda Park is more than just a care Centre—it’s a foundation for lifelong healthy eating and creativity in food. Each meal is an exploration, each snack a new discovery, encouraging every child to embrace their inner chef and the exciting world of flavours.