HEALTHY EATING FOR CHILDREN

I had a very interesting email from the United Kingdom from educator Georg Janssen who is involved at school level on the project I am going to describe below.

In early 2007, Northern Foods, Nestle and Cargill funded a primary school project called "PhunkyFoods." This is a curriculum based programme which provides weekly lesson plans for children in primary school groups.All lesson materials are written and developed by nutritionists and educationalists. The funding partners are not involved in the formulation of lessons at all.

The purpose is to help children in their current and future well-being and health.They will be guided to start off in life with a better understanding of healthy eating and the importance of active and balanced lifestyles. Without loosing out on the fun aspects of eating and snacking.

Georg tells that naturally an emphasis is placed on the snacks children tend to buy themselves with pocket money or which parents buy on supermarket trips. The programme actually began trials in 2005. The Northern Foods, Nestle and Cargill began their funding, after noting the success of the project, in 2007.

Health trends among chocolatiers in the UK seem to be gathering force. In September 8, this year Cadbury will launch Dairy Milk Canberry and Granola and Dairy Milk Apricot Crumble bars. The new flavours were selected with consumer insights into health, taste and nutritional and energy values.

On snacks Pringle has launched Rice Infusions, Hula Hoops have come up with Multigrain. Kit Kat, introduced, or will do so shortly, bring out Red Berry, Mango and Passion Fruit. Rowntree will launch more sugar-free snacks by using natural flavours and colours.

In Indonesia researchers says that there is more concern on health issues particularly on that of children.Principals of schools have shown concern of increasing cases of obesity among children under 10years. Some have indicated high interest in a regular curriculum based programme in primary schools on healthy eating and snacking.It will certainly be kicked off in October in the school which my children attend.

An additional prat of the curriculum, tried here in Indonesia, will be on how not to be "priced out" of healthy eating and snacking. This is naturally focused on low-income families or those with tight budgets.