Eat Well Tasmanian Kids

 
Eating well should start early. If poor eating habits are formed when children are young, then they may persist into adulthood. If children develop high blood cholesterol or become overweight they have a greater chance of developing diet related diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease when they become adults.

Our recent national nutrition survey showed that children were not eating enough vegetables and fruit and that the rate of overweight and obesity in children is increasing. There are many ways we can get children to try new foods, and to enjoy eating healthy foods. Some ideas are outlined in the "Start Them Right booklet, a Parent’s Guide to Healthy Eating for Under Fives". Order bulk hard copies of the booklet at $3.50 each, discount applies for 500 or more copies.

Eat Well Tasmania actively supports partner organisations to promote childhood nutrition. One of the ways we do this is through the Eat Well Tasmania Kids Coalition.

Why this Coalition?

There are many organisations involved in child nutrition promotion programs and activities, and it was felt that we could all benefit from a network and the opportunity to share information, add value and learn from each other.

We want to develop common vision and work together in a coordinated and cohesive manner for the benefit of child nutrition in Tasmania.

Tasmania leads in collaborative child nutrition approaches resulting in better nutrition for our children.

• To provide an accessible network for individuals or organisations working/interested in child nutrition promotion;
• To link new initiatives and co-ordinate efforts to strengthen existing projects and prevent duplication of effort;
• To ensure consistent messages are promoted in child nutrition promotion activities;
• To advocate and raise the profile of child nutrition in Tasmania;
• To increase the nutrition knowledge and skills of people working with children.

• Professional Development for members such as organisation of the Growing Our Futures Child Nutrition Conference on May 16-17, 2008 with National keynote speakers, Dr Colin Bell and Dr Jim Cavaye.
• A co-ordinated approach to funding of community based nutrition projects;
• Provision of resources and assistance to community organisations to support implementation of nutrition promotion activities, specific to children and families;
• Participation in media related activities to advocate for healthy eating.

Child Nutrition Projects

Eat Well Tasmania supports a number of projects that are seeking to improve the health and well-being of Tasmanian children.

• Family Food Patch: training food educators to work in their local communities promoting nutrition and physical activity to parents of children under 5.
• Nutrition in child care
• Cool Canteen Accreditation Program: promoting and educating children about preparing food, healthy eating and increasing the availability of healthy meals and snacks for children in schools
• Various other school based nutrition projects such as Wicked Vegies, Move Well Eat Well for Schools, and Fruitful Fundraising.
• Breastfeeding Promotion: visit Australian Breastfeeding Association at www.breastfeeding.asn.au/ and the Tasmanian Breastfeeding Coalition www.breastfeedingtas.org/