A healthy twist on a crowd favourite has taken out first place in the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ annual Tuckshop Recipe of the Year contest.

The panel of judges hailed Bay View State School tuckshop’s Creamy Vegetable Pasta as the state’s best, applauding their clever use of vegetables to create an appealing, nutritious meal for Queensland kids, that doesn’t hurt the hip pocket.

The win has proven third time lucky for Thornlands’ dynamic tuckshop duo, Candice Walker and Lisa O’Brien, who have been competition finalists for the last three years.

The battle for first place was once again fierce, but QAST President, Madonna Jardine, says Candice and Lisa’s recipe was a standout for its innovative use of vegetables and cost effectiveness.

“If you struggle to get veggies into your kids, this is the meal to order for them on tuckshop day,” Ms Jardine said.

“What kid doesn’t love a creamy pasta, and when you can hide seven different types of vegetables in there, it’s a win in our books.

“With the cost of ingredients going up and more financial pressure on families, knowing you can get a healthy and affordable meal from your school tuckshop, that helps meet the nutritional needs of your child, is so important.”

Students at Bay View State School can order the Creamy Vegetable Pasta for just $3.50 a serve, which still turns a healthy profit for the school’s P&C.

But the proof is in the taste, with many of the student judges commenting on the visual appeal and great taste of the pasta creation.

“I loved the creamy vegetable pasta because of its versatility, its high flavour profile and its textures,” one student judge commented.

“A delicious dish full of vegetables, that’s full of flavour and an excellent price point,” another judge said.

Candice and Lisa’s Rainbow Chicken Stirfry was awarded runner-up in 2023, while their Beef Burrito was a competition finalist in 2022.

The 2024 runner-up was the Crustless Cottage Pie from Ipswich State High School.

The competition, which is supported by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, is delivered by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) and attracts entrants from school tuckshops across Queensland.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive, Dr Robyn Littlewood, said she was impressed with the quality of entries and the diversity of healthy options tuckshops continued to offer students across Queensland.

“We know tuckshops play an important role in providing nutritious, affordable and convenient food and drink options for Queensland families, and this year’s winner is the type of meal that kids, and parents, can get excited about” Dr Littlewood said.

2024 finalists:

• Creamy Vegetable Pasta – Bay View State School (Thornlands)
  
• Crustless Cottage Pie – Ipswich State High School (Ipswich)
• Fish Burrito Bowl – Tannum Sands State School (Tannum Sands)
• Pasta Bolognese – Kalkie State School (Bundaberg)
• Quiche Slice with Salad – Currumbin State School (Currumbin, Gold Coast)
• Teriyaki Chicken, Rice and Salad Bowl – Musgrave Hill State School (Southport, Gold Coast)