Exploring the connection between food and mood at Lilydale

The School Food Matters team recently attended the Lilydale Mental Health Expo, inviting students and the wider school community to explore the connection between what we eat and how we feel. 

Through hands-on activities and colourful fresh produce, the stall encouraged students of all ages, to engage their senses, try something new and think about how food can support their mood and wellbeing.  

Expo Activities included: 

• Taste the Fruit: A hands-on opportunity to try fresh, colourful produce at the tasting table. 
• Riddle Me: Playful guessing games that encourage curiosity about different foods. This activity is from our Teacher Resources on our School Portal.
• Connect food with mood: Simple conversations and stickers to help younger students link what they eat to how they feel. 

Older students took the lead by building their own fruit cups, choosing combinations that appealed to them and exploring different flavours. 

Students of all ages were very open to tasting the food, with the bright and colourful tasting table attracting plenty of curiosity throughout the day. 

Visitors could also take-home recipe cards featuring simple and accessible ideas, including bliss balls from our family recipe collection. 

School Food Matters was represented by Northern Operations Coordinator Sam and North and Northwest Program Coordinators Astha and Deb. 

Sam said: 

“We loved hearing student’s stories behind why they like certain foods – food is always a conversation starter, no matter what age!” 

Thank you to Lilydale District School for inviting us to be part of an important day supporting the health and wellbeing of its school community.