Pies, sausage rolls, burgers, chips, cream buns and soft drinks are out.
Quinoa bowls, veggie-packed curries, stir fries and Mexican dishes are in.
That is, at least, according to the judges of the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ annual Recipe of the Year contest.
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Six tuckshops across the state are in the running after being named finalists for the award, which will be announced on September 14.
Now in its third year, the association received 31 entries, with the six finalists chosen as being the best across a number of criteria, including affordability, practicality and, obviously, nutritional value.
Deanne Wooden from the association said the finalists were “really high quality, really creative and innovative recipes”.
“But also down-to-earth recipes that kids actually enjoy eating,” she said.
Among them is a Nourish Bowl, from Brisbane’s Ferny Grove State High School, which contains quinoa, rice, lemon pepper seasoning, a mix of seasonal vegetables and a herb dressing.
“It’s growing in popularity,” said the school’s tuckshop lady Megan Towner.
“It does take a little while when we put new things on the menu.
“But definitely, over time we’ve seen their palates change, and they’re much more willing to try different things.”
Angelique Scarpignato from Southport State School says her butter chicken, packed with six vegetables, has won kids over.
“Apparently, it goes all through the school and everyone says, ‘Oh it’s butter chicken day – yum!’,” she said.
2023 Recipe of the Year finalists
- Mexican Beef and Rice – Bay View State School (Thornlands)
- Rainbow Chicken Stir-Fry – Bay View State School (Thornlands)
- Super Easy Burrito – Currajong State School (Townsville)
- Butter Chicken – Southport State School (Gold Coast)
- Mexican Mince Mini Cob – Highfields State School (Darling Downs)
- Ferny Nourish Bowl – Ferny Grove State High School (Brisbane)
The winner will receive a commercial-grade sandwich grill or a prize of a similar value.
Nutritionist Robyn Littlewood, chief executive of Health and Wellbeing Queensland, praised the range of “nutritious, affordable and convenient food and drink options” being made available to students.
“We know tuckshops play an important role in providing nutritious, affordable and convenient food and drink options for Queensland families, and I congratulate all the finalists in this year’s award program,” Littlewood said.
“It was heartening this year to see so many healthy and hearty meals and menu items for kids to enjoy while at school with their peers.”
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