Food and Beverage Classification System
Now called fuelled4life, the Food and Beverage Classification System (FBCS) is managed by the Heart Foundation and is a collaborative initiative that involves the education, health and food industry sectors working together to make it easier to have healthier food in schools and early childhood education (ECE) services.
The FBCS was designed specifically for foods and beverages children commonly consume in an education setting. Foods and beverages are classified according to their nutrient profile and the system identifies the healthier options. Foods and beverages are divided into two levels for registration: everyday and sometimes.
A Buyers’ Guide of recommended foods and beverages is available online at the fuelled4life website or as a booklet that is sent to schools and ECE services that sign-up on the website.
Fuelled4life is a free practical tool giving schools and ECE services a head start in providing healthier food. For people involved in selecting foods and drinks for menus, canteens, tuckshops, vending machines, fundraisers and other special events fuelled4life identifies the healthier options.
The fuelled4life website provides tips, nutritious and delicious recipes, special deals and information on ways to improve key nutrition components at schools or ECE services.
How can schools and ECE services get involved?
Schools and ECE services can sign-up to fuelled4life at the fuelled4life website or contact the manager Sally Hughes by email or phone (09) 526 8425 for more information.
How can food companies get involved?
Go to the fuelled4life website or contact the Heart Foundation – email fuelled4life@heartfoundation.org.nz or phone Larissa Beeby (09) 526 8550 for fuelled4life product registration application forms and for more information on the Food and Beverage Classification System.
Nutrient framework
The Food and Beverage Classification System nutrient framework for schools and ECE services is available from the Heart Foundation. Please contact fuelled4life@heartfoundation.org.nz for a copy.
Resources
User Guide for early childhood education (ECE) services
This guide, produced by the Ministry of Health, supports the Ministry of Education’s Food and Nutrition for Healthy, Confident Kids: Guidelines to Support Healthy Eating Environments in New Zealand Early Childhood Education Services and Schools.This guide is available in PDF format below and has been split into the following sections:
- Contents and Introduction (PDF, 1 MB)
- Classifying foods and drinks for early childhood; Quick reference guide; Applying the system to catering (PDF, 3 MB) Warning large file size
- Nutritional Information and Fast Facts; Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 1 MB)
- Appendices, References, Glossary and Acknowledgements (PDF, 1 MB)
Recipes for ECE services
These recipes and the accompanying user guide to the Food and Beverage Classification System, produced by the Ministry of Health, support the Ministry of Education’s Food and Nutrition for Healthy, Confident Kids: Guidelines to Support Healthy Eating Environments in New Zealand Early Childhood Education Services and Schools. These recipes are available in PDF format below and have been split into the following sections:
- Contents; Soup (PDF, 1 MB)
- Sandwiches; Toasted Sandwiches and Toasties; Snacks (PDF, 1 MB)
- Main Meals (PDF, 3 MB) - Warning large file size
- Salads; Vegetables; Cakes and Muffins; Desserts; Acknowledgements (PDF, 3 MB) - Warning large file size
User Guide for Schools (Years 1–13)
These guidelines, produced by the Ministry of Health, support the Ministry of Education’s Food and Nutrition for Healthy, Confident Kids: Guidelines to Support Healthy Eating Environments in New Zealand Early Childhood Education Services and Schools. These guidelines are available in PDF format below:
- User Guide for schools (Years 1-13) (PDF, 3 MB) Warning large file size
Catering Guidelines for Schools
These guidelines, produced by the Ministry of Health, support the Ministry of Education’s Food and Nutrition for Healthy, Confident Kids: Guidelines to Support Healthy Eating Environments in New Zealand Early Childhood Education Services and Schools. These guidelines are available to download in PDF format only and have been split into the following sections:
- Contents; Introduction; Classifying foods and drinks for schools; Catering guidelines (PDF, 3 MB) Warning large file size
- Food Ideas (PDF, 1 MB)
- Recipes (PDF, 4 MB) Warning large file size
- Developing and Modifying Recipes; Checklists; Menu planning; Safe food handling; Equipment needs; What to include in a catering contract; Understanding labels; References; Glossary; Acknowledgements (PDF, 4 MB) Warning large file size
Page last updated: 13 June 2013
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