Healthy eating
Obesity is now a major health problem in children. Evidence suggests that eating fruit and vegetables helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and that healthy eating habits need to be formed early in life.
All Wolverhampton schools receive free fruit and vegetables for their children between the ages of 4 and 6 through the Government's drive to improve children's diet and tackle obesity within the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey, published in June 2000, examined 2,000 pupils from the age of 4-18 years - it found that the diets of school children depended heavily on foods that are rich in fat, sugar and salt. Boys were found to eat (by weight) nearly twice as many biscuits as leafy green vegetables. Girls ate more than twice as many sweets and chocolate as leafy green vegetables.
Within the Wolverhampton Healthy Schools Scheme, children are encouraged to choose a diet that is low in fat, sugar and salt and to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables in workshops provided through agencies concentrating on the balance of good health, nutrition, healthy lunch boxes and smoothie making.
Workshops and supermarket visits can be booked through consultation with the Healthy Eating Coordinator, Sue Baugh on 01902 555928.
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