Since stepping into her role as Coordinator at Gembrook OSHClub, Carli has embraced the opportunity to support children’s health and wellbeing through meaningful food and nutrition changes. With a clear focus on meeting Vic Kids Eat Well’s small bites, she has led a gradual change that is benefiting the children and the broader service environment.
The journey began with a nutrition session at the service’s first meeting, helping to build knowledge and confidence. From there, the service, which provides breakfast and afternoon tea for children in before and after-school care, started by making simple swaps. White bread was swapped for wholemeal and multigrain options to increase fibre intake, with the preferred wholemeal option staying on the menu.
Afternoon tea has also been refreshed, with vegetables added to the daily fruit platter, alongside a rotating selection of snacks. New menu items such as sushi bowls and baked potatoes have been introduced, giving students the chance to explore different flavours and textures. Traditionally popular foods have been reimagined, with pizza now made on wholemeal English muffins. This simple change has increased fibre content while also being a cost-effective option for the service. The smaller size of the muffins also means more can fit on a tray, allowing staff to serve children more efficiently, a bonus for the educators.
As part of their participation in Vic Kids Eat Well, the service received an apple slinky machine, which has quickly become a favourite among the children. The spiralised apples are both fun and appealing, with the team reporting that the “kids are LOVING it.”
The service encourages children to help choose their menu. They are encouraged to select recipes from cookbooks and Vic Kids Eat Well resources, helping to build a sense of ownership and curiosity around food. Food-related activities have become a highlight, with students enjoying hands-on experiences such as creating fruit masks, decorating rice cake faces and completing fruit-themed activity sheets. These playful activities help foster positive attitudes towards nutritious eating while also providing program ideas for the service.
Carli reflects that the process has been personally rewarding, sharing that she feels “more confident and excited to prepare the menu and meals.” What was once a challenging task has become something she enjoys, from planning and shopping to trying new foods alongside the children. This growing enjoyment of food exploration has played a key role in sustaining the changes and continuing to evolve the menu.
After consistent effort and a commitment to continuous improvement, Gembrook OSHClub has now completed all their Vic Kids Eat Well’s small bites. Congratulations Carli and the team at Gembrook OSHClub!
To find out more about Vic Kids Eat Well, contact the team at HealthPromotion@monashhealth.org or visit Monash Health’s Schools and Outside School Hours Care webpage.