Applying for an Award

Why is a healthy school environment so important?

It is suggested that nutrition is related to physical well-being, growth, development, learning and risk to disease. Children, parents and caregivers should be aware of the long term implications of their food choices and make positive steps toward healthy eating. Therefore the classroom, tuckshop, canteen, lunch order system and other school activities should provide consistent messages that explain and reinforce healthy eating and regular physical activity.

Which award should we apply for?

Review the criteria for each Heartbeat Award and assess your schools current food environment. Most schools will benefit from starting at the beginning by developing a  Food and Nutrition Policy   and getting staff, students, parents and the community involved in creating a Healthy School environment.

However if your school already has established a   Food and Nutrition Policy   and has implemented change, you may be eligible for a higher level of award outlined in The School Food Programme overview. It is important to note that awards are valid for one year, each year schools are encouraged to either renew or apply for a higher award by making further improvements to their schools' nutrition environment.

Applying for a Heartbeat Award

Applying for a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award

Make the changes required to meet the Food Choice Criteria . This will involve writing or reviewing your policy and introducing healthy changes to the menu.   Download and complete the Heartbeat Award application form.   Post/fax to: School Food Programme Heart Foundation  P O Box 17160, Greenlane Auckland 1130 Fax: (09) 571 9190   Congratulations you have achieved a Heartbeat Award.

Make the changes required to meet the Food Choice Criteria . Identify other food and nutrition activities that are relevant to or take place in the school food service, classroom and community. Action any changes or improvements required to meet Promoting Healthy Food, Nutrition Education and Community Health Promotion Criteria.   Download and complete the Heartbeat Award application form.   Post/fax to: School Food Programme Heart Foundation  P O Box 17160, Greenlane Auckland 1130 Fax: (09) 571 9190   Congratulations you have achieved a Bronze, Silver or Gold Heartbeat Award.

	Remember your are required to have achieved a Heartbeat and/or Bronze level Award before progressing toward a Silver or Gold application.
	Hot Tips for Award Applications
	Have you fully completed all sections of the application?
	Remember to fill out the quantities of food sold each day
	Have you included a signed and dated policy current within the last 12 months?
	Have you included a current menu?
	Be sure to outline how students are actively involved in or responsible for improving the nutrition environment in your school through your schools Nutrition Education programme
	Don't forget to sign and date the application form and post/fax to: School Food Programme Heart Foundation  P O Box 17160, Greenlane Auckland 1130 Fax: (09) 571 9190
	Click on a link below to download an appropriate Award Application Form (PDF) or view the Award Standards