National Food and Nutrition Policy for Schools.

3.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear, manageable and comprehensive structure for the delivery of Nutrition in all schools in Fiji. The importance of good nutrition in children cannot be overemphasized as it is the building block of a healthy and productive population. Also important is the interaction between good nutrition and infection. A poorly nourished student has an impaired immune system, which means that not only is he more susceptible to disease, but also that treatment may not be as effective. The objectives of the policy are: to create an enabling environment in schools for healthy food choices; to incorporate nutrition in the curriculum for all levels of formal and non-formal education; to ensure that food security is promoted and practiced at all levels of education; to improve and maintain all aspects of food quality and safety. It establishes the requirements for all boarding schools to provide balanced meals through food and health services to be directed towards obtaining and maintaining optimal food quality and safety (2).
2.3 Nutrition subjects in schools must incorporate nutrition stakeholders’ initiatives outside the school framework. All levels of education in schools must include Nutrition in their curriculum (early childhood through to secondary schools). All must have some elements of nutrition education in their subjects. All school functions and meetings must practice healthy eating practices using the Healthy Eating Guidelines. All nutrition information from schools must be disseminated to nutrition stakeholders through the annual reports. All school food services must coordinate with the school nutrition policy to reinforce messages about healthy eating and ensure that foods offered in Fiji schools promote good nutrition and contribute to the development of lifelong healthy eating habits.
3.2 This policy defines more precisely the role of the Ministry of Education in improving nutrition for students in schools. Schools can be an important avenue for improving nutrition, not only through nutrition education (Home Economics) but also through allied school activities (e.g., school gardens). Poor health status of school children is particularly serious in boarding schools which mainly cater for Fijian students. Nutrition environment in these schools are at times very challenging. Whilst they can produce their own foods, it is not usually sustainable, and while our environment is richly endowed with both terrestrial and marine foods, students’ meals remain mostly rice and dhal.