School tuckshops selling junk food cheaper than healthy food

SCHOOL children are being given little incentive to buy healthy food at their school canteen when, in many cases, an apple costs more than a packet of chips.

Ravi, 6 and Rahul, 8, test out some twisties and an apple. Picture: David Smith

SCHOOL children are being given little incentive to buy healthy food at their school canteen when, in many cases, an apple costs more than a packet of chips.

The first Australia-wide study of pricing discovered most of the 200 public school canteens were charging more for healthier lunches than less nutritious options.

Deakin and Monash University research found foods containing fruit and vegetables cost on average 89 cents to $1.25 more than unhealthy foods.

Accredited practicising dietitian Natassja Billich, from Deakin’s Global Obesity Centre, said they compared foods grouped using the traffic light system.

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Healthy “green” items, such as salad sandwiches, vegetable stir fries and fruit were compared with nutrient-poor “amber” and “red” foods, which includes hotdogs, pies and potato chips.

“Three-quarters of primary schools were selling ‘red’ foods like meat pies and hotdogs cheaper than ‘green’ foods such as salad sandwiches,” Ms Billich explained.

The situation was slightly better in secondary schools, but almost 60 per cent still sold less healthy lunches cheaper.

Ms Billich will present findings on the food price gap at the Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference in Hobart today.

“If they are selling unhealthy foods that are cheap, it’s sending the wrong message to children,” she said.

Of particular concern is that more schools in the most disadvantaged areas were selling less nutritious foods cheaper.

Victorian School Canteen Association management committee member Sharon Grass said everyone wanted healthy canteens.

“Factors that prevent it are lack of staff or volunteers, not enough time allocated to staff to make healthy food, the cost and availability of healthy food and the cooking facilities available in the canteen kitchens,” she said.

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