No evidence school lunches less healthy

Allegations that children’s lunch boxes have become increasingly unhealthy since the Government amended school administration guidelines last year are just fantasy, says Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council.

Mrs Rich says there is no evidence to suggest that school lunch boxes packed by parents changed either before or after changes made by Education Minister Anne Tolley in February 2009.

“To link school lunch box contents and changes to National Administration Guideline 5 shows that some don’t understand the amendment. The guidelines were for food and beverages sold on school premises and had nothing to do with what parents sent to school.

“What has gone away as a result of the Government’s changes is the concern of some Principals and parents that increasingly schools were being asked to become “food police” and consider banning worthy activities such as PTA sausage sizzle fundraisers.

“Critics of the change want to paint a picture that the good work schools do to promote healthy eating has stopped which is absolutely not the case.

“It is important to note that the Education Minister did not abolish National Administration Guideline 5. As Health Minister, Tony Ryall pointed out yesterday the Government retained important wording in that requires schools “to promote healthy food and nutrition for all students”.

“From a practical perspective, schools and food companies still continue to work hard to support the Food and Beverage Classification System run by Healthy Kids which assists tuck shops with their menu planning and purchasing.

“The announcement last December that FGC members would halt the direct sale of full sugar drinks to schools was another positive initiative welcomed by the Government.”