Eat the Rainbow challenge brightens school lunchboxes
Published on 04 November 2026
Children at schools and kindergartens across the Gannawarra have added a splash of colour to their lunchboxes and discovered the benefits of healthy eating as part of this year’s Eat the Rainbow Challenge.
The initiative, delivered by Gannawarra Shire Council and Northern District Community Health during National Nutrition Week, celebrated the important role food plays in health, wellbeing and community connection.
Students at Kerang Primary School, Kerang South Primary School, Koondrook Primary School, Leitchville Kindergarten and Murrabit Group School took part in the initiative, which encouraged children to eat a fruit or vegetable each day and place a sticker on their class Eat the Rainbow poster.
Kerang Christian College also participated in National Nutrition Week activities, which promoted healthy food choices.
"Council is proud to work alongside Northern District Community Health to deliver initiatives that help local children build healthy habits that can last a lifetime," Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
"Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. The Eat the Rainbow Challenge encouraged children to try a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in a fun and engaging way."
As part of the initiative, classes at Kerang Primary School, Kerang South Primary School and Koondrook Primary School were randomly selected to receive a lunch bag prize, with lunch bags also presented to Leitchville Kindergarten children and Murrabit Group School students.
"Research consistently shows that positive food experiences during childhood can influence lifelong eating habits, and this challenge helps make those experiences enjoyable and accessible," Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer, Penny Wilkinson said.
"By celebrating fruits and vegetables in a colourful, interactive way, we're helping children see healthy food as something enjoyable while supporting their growth, learning and wellbeing."
ABOVE: Kerang South Primary School students participated in the Eat the Rainbow challenge, delivered by Gannawarra Shire Council and Northern District Community Health during National Nutrition Week.
Promotion of the Eat the Rainbow Challenge aligns with Council’s commitment to encourage healthy eating and drinking throughout the community, with this commitment strengthened by the recent adoption of the Healthy Food and Drink policy.
Initially adopted in March 2020, the policy assists Council in demonstrating leadership in promoting healthy food and drink choices at Council functions, facilities and across the wider community.
“Thanks to the original Healthy Food and Drink policy, a raft of activities, programs and events have been delivered that support healthy eating and the importance of good oral health, particularly focused on local schools, kindergartens and early years services” Mr Rollinson said.
“The revised version of this important policy will build on these achievements and support Council’s efforts to promote healthy eating and drinking while reducing risk factors associated with chronic disease.”
The Eat the Rainbow Challenge was supported through the Vic Kids Eat Well initiative, funded by the Victorian Government and delivered locally by Northern District Community Health.
TOP: Kerang Primary School was one of six schools and kindergartens to participate in National Nutrition Week celebrations.