A ‘Taste of Italy’ arrives in Queensland kindy classrooms

Children at Queensland Childcare Services’ (QCCS) Hyperdome Early Education Centres have excitedly received a delivery of organic wholemeal pasta straight from Italian shores, as part of the childcare provider’s industry leading nutrition education program. 

The delivery for children in the Logan-based centres was arranged by QCCS’ in-house healthy food partner, the Health Cooking Company (HCC), as part of the provider’s overarching mission to develop and deliver natural and nutritious food to its community.

QCCS General Manager Laura Faali said the pasta delivery was just one part of the provider’s nutrition program with healthy food education central to its statewide curriculum. 

“The important lessons that children at QCCS learn during their early childhood are the building blocks for lifelong healthy habits,” she said.

“We actively involve children in family-style dining and help them understand healthy food choices from an early age, building habits that make mealtimes and nutrition easier at home, school and into adulthood.”

The BioItalia macaroni pasta shipment was organised in collaboration with Australian-based company Myda Global and began its journey to Logan from Sarno, Italy, a small town bordering the Amalfi Coast. 

The style of pasta was selected for the program due to its popularity with children at the centres, with the direct importation driven by the limited accessibility of high-quality, wholemeal macaroni in Australia. 

Healthy Cooking Company Head Dietician Jim Arrowgros said the arrival of the BioItalia macaroni pasta was an exciting leap forwards for the company and its existing nutrition focused initiatives.

“Importing the pasta from Italy was no easy feat – the pasta travelled nearly 10,000 kilometres by sea before arriving at the Port of Brisbane, but we believe any step that enhances the nutritional value and quality of our meals is well worth it, for our team and the families we serve,” Mr Arrowgros said.

“Early exposure to healthy food choices supports the development of long-term, healthy eating behaviours.

“We facilitate this through encouraging family style dining, incorporating many colourful fruits and veggies as we can, hidden and visible, and making healthy food fun for littles ones.” 

Created by a QCCS co-founder in 2012, the HCC was established on the belief all children should have access to wholesome, nutritious meals and remains dedicated to producing food free from preservatives, artificial colours and flavours, low in sodium and refined sugar.

Alongside the integration of HCC in QCC’s curriculum, initiatives like the Veggie Fun and Taste the Rainbow program create curiosity, confidence, develop sensory skills and encourage healthy eating habits during early childhood.

To learn more about the Healthy Cooking Company, visit: healthycookingcompany.com.au

To learn more about Queensland Childcare Services, visit: qccs.com.au