Madman Productions, in partnership with Health & Care Partner Bupa have announced the launch of THAT SUGAR FILM’s School Action Toolkit. The School Action Toolkit is a suite of resources crafted around THAT SUGAR FILM to educate and raise awareness about sugar consumption within primary and secondary school settings. The toolkit was developed by highly respected curriculum consultant, Janice Atkin, in collaboration with the team behind the film. Janice has worked for the NSW Department of Education and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Atkin explained that the resources in the toolkit include a study guide aligned to the Health and Physical Education and Design and Technologies curriculum as well as THAT SUGAR FILM DVD and THAT SUGAR BOOK, an action-planning guide, posters, handouts and digital assets. The toolkit can guide schools through a process to implement sustainable change, and provide practical tools to help schools activate themselves as healthier environments.

Damon Gameau explained that School-aged children in Australia consume approximately 37% of their total daily energy intake from food and beverages consumed at school, and many of these foods are energy dense, packaged snacks containing high amounts of added sugar. In 14-18 years olds, 41% of their total energy intake comes from these foods. Gameau said that he hopes the toolkit will be a nationwide movement to educate our children about the health risks of a high-sugar diet.
“This is one of the most exciting parts of the whole project for us. We have to make it a priority that children understand that a major player in their mental, physical and even emotional happiness is the food they put into their bodies” Gameau commented.
Dr Rob Grenfell, National Medical Director, Bupa Australia, says the toolkit is an important step towards empowering children to make informed decisions about what they eat.
“Nutrition is complex – salt, fat and sugar are all important factors when considering a healthy diet, along with intake of other important food components such as protein, fibre and calcium. We need to break down the complexities and provide Aussie kids with the right information if we want to tackle some of the nation’s toughest health challenges.” Dr. Grenfell commented.

Because of Bupa’s support, the first 250 toolkits are being offered at the substantially discounted price of $55, down from the standard $220. To access this exclusive offer, schools need to register for their unique promo code using an eligible (.edu) email address via www.thatsugarfilm.com/schools.