Getting started
Information and templates for schools to start participating in the program
This whole-school healthy eating program aims to increase opportunities for Queensland primary school children to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit.
Pick of the Crop is supporting Queensland state schools to boost their student’s consumption of vegetables and fruit through locally agreed school actions.
Pick of the Crop is consistent with the Smart Choices – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools and the latest Australian and international evidence of good practice.
The program initially started with 35 schools in Bowen, Bundaberg and Logan during a pilot in 2020. Now the program is reaching more students in more state schools across Queensland. This includes[1]:
If your school is located in one of these regions and is keen to participate in Pick of the Crop, consider the information at Getting Started before contacting us for more information.
Only 3.1% of Queensland children aged 5 – 11 years are eating the recommended amount of 5 vegetables every day[2]. This needs to improve.
80% of children eat the recommended 2 serves of fruit every day[2].
School students are not meeting the Australian Dietary Guideline recommendations. Evidence shows that healthy eating supports optimal growth and development, protects from illness and enables successful learning at school, performance at sport and supports life long healthy eating habits.
[1] Based on the Queensland Department of Education regions.
Last updated 11 October 2023