Beaconhills College has once again demonstrated its commitment to student health and wellbeing, with both its Pakenham and Berwick campuses maintaining Advanced Standing following recent Vic Kids Eat Well menu assessments.
Food Services Manager Chetan Ghaisas plays a key role in ensuring all food and drink items in the school canteens align with Vic Kids Eat Well guidelines. Through thoughtful menu planning and a focus on quality, the College continues to provide students and staff with nutritious and appealing food options every day.
A standout feature is the use of produce grown on the College’s on-site farm. Fresh vegetables and other ingredients are incorporated into menu items, helping the College achieve the Vic Kids Eat Well Small Bite goal of ensuring that more than half of canteen menu items include salad or vegetables. This farm-to-table approach enhances the nutritional value of meals and helps students develop a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.
The canteens have also embraced healthier cooking methods. Rather than using a deep fryer, popular items such as potato wedges are baked, reducing saturated fat while maintaining flavour. Most menu items are prepared fresh on-site, offering students a variety of nutritious options. By preparing many foods in-house and carefully managing menus, the canteens keep meals affordable for families while maintaining a financially sustainable service.
One of the most popular menu items is the Savoury Snack Pack, featuring a colourful combination of vegetable sticks, dip and cheese. This convenient option provides a balanced snack while encouraging students to include more vegetables in their day.
Maintaining Advanced Standing reflects the dedication, creativity and commitment of the food services team. Through an ongoing focus on nutritious, affordable and high-quality food, Beaconhills College continues to create a positive food environment that supports the health and wellbeing of its entire school community.
Interested in receiving free menu support?
Contact our Health Promotion team for free menu support using Vic Kids Eat Well. We support services in Cardinia Shire, the City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong.