TPJ's Parent Champions

We've profiled a handful of our members that are doing amazing things in their communities to improve the food and physical activity environments for children.

If you're a Parent Champion with a story to share, tell us at members@parentsjury.org.au.

Kathryn

"The staff wanted to make changes but needed some advice."

Kathryn is a Sydney mother of two. A few years ago, the staff at her daughter's day care centre were fed up the unhealthy contents of some of the children's lunchboxes. As well as the obvious health consequences, the sugary treats led to disruptive behaviour and ‘lunchbox envy'. Knowing that Kathryn has a nutrition background, the centre manager enlisted her help to develop some healthy eating guidelines to advise parents on suitable lunchbox foods.

Much like the traffic light system we see in Australian schools, they called their guidelines ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' which encouraged parents to pack as many of the ‘good' (green) foods as possible, and provided advice on the ‘bad' (occasional) foods. ‘Ugly (red) foods such as soft drink, crisps and confectionery were banned. The new policy was communicated to parents via the newsletter and welcome kits, and was well received.

Kathryn's next goal is to work with the parent and teacher committee at her daughter's primary school to introduce mandatory morning fruit and water breaks in the classroom.

Kate

"You've got to work from the inside if you want to see change."

Kate's son's kindergarten runs up to eight fundraisers per year, so it was important to Kate that they do not rely on convenient chocolate drives to make money. Kate decided that if she wanted to see change she had to make it happen from within. She joined the parent-run fundraising committee which unanimously decided they should seek profitable alternatives. Together they sourced local businesses, including working with a local bakery to provide for their annual Hot Cross Bun drive, instead of ordering via a big franchise bakery.

Kate is an advocate for using local business where possible, as it gives greater flexibility when negotiating bulk orders and prices. She says while they sold fewer hot cross buns in the first year, they actually made a larger profit. The dedication and commitment of the committee has seen a cultural shift within the kindergarten.

Jacqi

"It only takes one or two passionate parents to make a difference."

Jacqi is a Melbourne mother of three who is passionate about children's food and nutrition issues. Jacqi left the hospitality industry to start her own cooking and nutrition education consultancy where she spent her early days consulting with schools on healthy eating initiatives. Since the state governments introduced school canteen guidelines, the demand for her services has declined, however she says schools still need support from parents to maintain momentum.

Jacqi encourages anyone with concerns about what's going on in their children's school to speak up. She has found that many schools still require input and support from parents and all it takes is for one person in the school community to raise awareness of an issue for small changes to happen.

Jacqi recommends that people start by talking to other parents. Most people support healthy school initiatives but don't know where to start and they will be inspired by the leadership of others. She also suggests that you're likely to find an ally in the deputy principal.

Fran

"Do what you feel inspired to do."

Fran is concerned about the impact of genetically modified (GM) foods in Australia, so she started her own web advocacy group (much like The Parents Jury). The group is actively involved in the website, talks, submissions, and conferences. She admits that she has the luxury of time to dedicate to the group, however each of the group's members is involved in their own way. Some research GM, some submit info for the digest, others lobby their council, write to newspapers or contact their local politicians and others just receive the digest to stay informed.

Fran's advice for anyone who wants to starts a group or simply stand up for something they believe in is to work out what is most important to them and "just start". Soon enough you will find others with the same concerns and will start to build momentum. She also suggests you need to be adaptable and creative, do your research to know the subject matter and get to know those on the other side of the fence, whether it's other parents, the school, local council or government minister.

Nicole

"We're trying a different approach after a major set back."

Nicole is a Sydney mum who is keen to see her primary school start get involved with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program. When Nicole first heard about it, she immediately emailed the principal with some information. The principal liked the Program from the start and began discussing it with other staff and even the school's gardener/handyman who was very keen to be part of this new initiative. Nicole signed up to the Kitchen Garden Program mailing list and managed to keep the issue on the school's agenda by forwarding on all emails to the principal.

Unfortunately, their plans hit a hurdle when the principal resigned around the same time their application for Program funding was due to be submitted. It's been nearly three school terms since the principal left with no long term replacement, which has severely hindered progress, but Nicole has not given up hope. She has turned her focus to another platform, the P&C committee, and hopes to get the Program on the school's agenda again.

Rachel

"You can't do it all at once."

Rachel wanted to introduce a healthy food policy for her twins' primary school canteen after she noticed that it was ‘kind of average' and left a lot of room for improvement. She started out by writing letters to the school council with her ideas, but it was only during a conversation with the school's principal that she was advised to actually sit on the school council to get the issues on the school's agenda.

Rachel knew that she would not get very far without the support of the wider school community, so she and the school council surveyed school parents on what they saw as important for food in schools. What came out of that was a desire for a focus on health and environmental sustainability. Rachel and the school council then began researching existing school food policies and related programs in other schools to shape theirs.

The policy went back and forth many times for review between the council, parents and staff before receiving the final seal of approval. Rachel has learned that nothing is going to happen overnight, and if you want to improve a problem, you must be willing to get involved with the solutions.