Schools must do all they can to integrate the teaching of healthy foods into their curriculums. There is nothing more powerful for a class full of impressionable kids, than to see their friends chomping away happily on fruits or vegetables. A program, that engages and gives kids cooking and food tasting experiences whilst also teaching them about healthy eating is pivotal to curbing morbid obesity later in life.
Whilst peer pressure is usually a negative thing, watching a classmate take part in healthy behaviour has a profoundly positive result on a child. That’s why a program such as Food for Thought trialled in New Zealand schools looks a winner.
The initiative will see schools in the district implementing new, interactive health and nutritional education courses that aim to improve the health of the community.
Qualified nutritionists teach children the importance of a balanced diet, reading and understanding nutritional information panels and how to prepare healthy meals.
Children are given the opportunity to visit the supermarket to buy ingredients for a healthy class lunch, which they make back in the classroom.
I hope programs like this one spread universally.
Topical Teaching 