Vending machines to sell healthy snacks in schools
Wednesday, June 28 2006
Healthy snacks are set to replace chocolate bars and sugary drinks in school vending machines across the Borders, thanks to a new policy approved today by Scottish Borders Council's Education Executive.
The Healthier Vending Policy will be piloted at first in three schools - Berwickshire and Earlston High Schools and Jedburgh Grammar - before being rolled out to all nine secondary schools in the region by a target date of December 2006.
The healthy vending policy was developed by a multi-discipline group led by NHS Borders' Community Dietitian in Health Promotion and comprising teaching staff, SB Hospitality (SBC's catering arm), Hungry for Success development officers, an Oral Health Educator and School Nurse.
The policy stipulates that a healthy snack should contain:
* No more than 30% calories from total fat
* No more than 10% calories from saturated fat
* No more than 10% calories from added sugar
* No more than 0.6g salt or 0.25g sodium per portion
The following criteria should be used to check the suitability of food:
* A choice of bread, including wholemeal or those containing a mixture of cereals, will be used.
* Semi-skimmed milk will be used in any recipes prepared for the vending machine.
* Fats will be used sparingly and low fat spread will be used as far as possible in the preparation of sandwiches and rolls
and for home baking
* Low fat dairy products will be used, eg low fat cheese, yoghurt or salad dressing.
* Little or no salt will be used
* All meats will be lean and trimmed of fat.
* Fruit and vegetables will always be available, either separately or as part of a 'meal deal'.
Councillor Val Robson, Chairman of the Education Executive, said, "We recognise that vending machines are a quick and easy way of supplying healthier drinks and snacks, providing a more flexible school catering service. They reduce queuing at lunchtimes and are very popular with students. This new policy will help us achieve our ambitions for our young people."
For more information, please contact:
Dr Helen Summers, Community Dietitian in Health Promotion, NHS Borders. Tel: 01835 824485.
Frances Price, Development Officer, Health Promoting Schools/Hungry for Success. Tel: 01896 755110.
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