What's wrong with Vegemite on toast? Outraged parent exposes daycare centre ban!
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Today, we narrate an episode that confused many parents in one city: A daycare centre removing Vegemite on toast from its morning menu.
'What's wrong with Vegemite on toast?', you might be asking.
After all, the humble Vegemite is the quintessential Aussie breakfast spread. Many of us grew up on the strong piquant scent of this dark, thick paste smeared on our crisp toast.
Vegemite has since then imprinted itself as a true-blue Aussie icon, making its mark on our collective cultural identity.
So, when Great Beginnings, a daycare centre in Marsden Park, northwest of Sydney, swapped the classic Vegemite on toast for cereals, it whipped up quite a storm.
Parents were baffled when Rice Bubbles or Cornflakes substituted the quintessential Australian staple, eventually grabbing the attention of Mr Ryan Park, the NSW Health Minister.
Responding to the fiasco, Mr Park clarified that there was no official government directive on banning Vegemite on toast and that these decisions were principally about complying with NSW Health’s Munch & Move program's carbohydrate requirements.
He said, ‘Sometimes around these guidelines, there are some recommendations around reducing salt. Local centres might do that. We’re not in the game of banning Vegemite on toast, I can assure you. ’
The daycare centre clarified its decision was steered towards ensuring children's daily carbohydrate intake did not exceed a healthy diet limit. If any child disliked cereal, a fruit salad was available.
The Health Minister also assured parents that familiar bread slices would not vanish anytime soon.
He clarified, 'Vegemite is not going anywhere. Toast is not going anywhere. We don't want people to feel bad because their kids are having Vegemite... my kids love it.'
Speaking on behalf of Great Beginnings, a G8 Education spokeswoman said the 'routine' menu alteration was aimed at encouraging kids to 'enjoy a variety of foods'.
As part of the recent menu update at Great Beginnings Marsden Park, the centre offers a variety of cereals and fruits for children to choose from during breakfast.
Toast is also available if desired, and it is served as part of the morning tea menu in the current rotation. Raisin toast is an option for morning tea, and lunch typically includes bread, rice, or pasta.
She stated, ‘We are committed to providing the children in our care with a healthy, balanced diet that helps them thrive.’
In 2017, NSW school canteens received guidance to use Vegemite in ‘small amounts’ or ‘lightly spread’.
This directive led to a question directed at the then-education minister, Rob Stokes, during question time.
Mr Stokes reassured that Vegemite would continue to be served in school canteens.
He said, ‘While I am education minister, Vegemite sandwiches will continue to be on offer in New South Wales school canteens. The Government is a pro-Vegemite government.’
So, despite the Vegemite fuss and relentless health debates, it seems the beloved spread won’t really be going away.
Members, let us know what your opinions are on this story. Do you believe it's necessary to restrict children's carbohydrate intake, or do you think it's an overreaction?
'What's wrong with Vegemite on toast?', you might be asking.
After all, the humble Vegemite is the quintessential Aussie breakfast spread. Many of us grew up on the strong piquant scent of this dark, thick paste smeared on our crisp toast.
Vegemite has since then imprinted itself as a true-blue Aussie icon, making its mark on our collective cultural identity.
Vegemite is a quintessential Australian food deeply ingrained in the nation's culinary culture. Image by jaywennington from Unsplash
So, when Great Beginnings, a daycare centre in Marsden Park, northwest of Sydney, swapped the classic Vegemite on toast for cereals, it whipped up quite a storm.
Parents were baffled when Rice Bubbles or Cornflakes substituted the quintessential Australian staple, eventually grabbing the attention of Mr Ryan Park, the NSW Health Minister.
Responding to the fiasco, Mr Park clarified that there was no official government directive on banning Vegemite on toast and that these decisions were principally about complying with NSW Health’s Munch & Move program's carbohydrate requirements.
He said, ‘Sometimes around these guidelines, there are some recommendations around reducing salt. Local centres might do that. We’re not in the game of banning Vegemite on toast, I can assure you. ’
The daycare centre clarified its decision was steered towards ensuring children's daily carbohydrate intake did not exceed a healthy diet limit. If any child disliked cereal, a fruit salad was available.
The Health Minister also assured parents that familiar bread slices would not vanish anytime soon.
He clarified, 'Vegemite is not going anywhere. Toast is not going anywhere. We don't want people to feel bad because their kids are having Vegemite... my kids love it.'
Speaking on behalf of Great Beginnings, a G8 Education spokeswoman said the 'routine' menu alteration was aimed at encouraging kids to 'enjoy a variety of foods'.
Its distinct savoury and salty flavour, spread on toast or used in various recipes, has made it a beloved staple in Australian households for generations. Image from Flickr
As part of the recent menu update at Great Beginnings Marsden Park, the centre offers a variety of cereals and fruits for children to choose from during breakfast.
Toast is also available if desired, and it is served as part of the morning tea menu in the current rotation. Raisin toast is an option for morning tea, and lunch typically includes bread, rice, or pasta.
She stated, ‘We are committed to providing the children in our care with a healthy, balanced diet that helps them thrive.’
In 2017, NSW school canteens received guidance to use Vegemite in ‘small amounts’ or ‘lightly spread’.
This directive led to a question directed at the then-education minister, Rob Stokes, during question time.
Mr Stokes reassured that Vegemite would continue to be served in school canteens.
He said, ‘While I am education minister, Vegemite sandwiches will continue to be on offer in New South Wales school canteens. The Government is a pro-Vegemite government.’
So, despite the Vegemite fuss and relentless health debates, it seems the beloved spread won’t really be going away.
Members, let us know what your opinions are on this story. Do you believe it's necessary to restrict children's carbohydrate intake, or do you think it's an overreaction?
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