The Department of Education (DE) and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) today jointly published the proposed Food in Schools Policy which aims to ensure that food in schools is representative of the balance of good health.
Speaking about the public consultation, the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: “A healthy, balanced diet is vital for children’s growth and development and for their long-term health and well-being. There is increasing concern about child obesity and a greater awareness of the need for healthy eating. Children should be given as much information as possible to make better choices when deciding on which food to eat and what makes up a balanced diet.
“Children should be happy, fit and healthy and a good diet is essential to maintaining energy levels, concentration in school and overall well-being. Encouraging healthy eating habits in children contributes to their growth and development in the short term and is an investment in their health for the future.”
The Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey commented: “Our level of obesity, especially amongst our children is very worrying. Our response as a society to this challenge will be one of the defining elements in our lives and I strongly believe that public health must be at the heart of what we do.
“I welcome the Food in Schools Policy which will initiate a life-long awareness of healthy nutrition to enable the children of today and adults of the future to make healthier food choices. My vision for the future is one where every child grows up with a healthy weight, through eating well and enjoying being active.”
The Department of Education introduced a sports programme in 2007 to encourage children to have a healthy and active lifestyle. Since then, 62 GAA and IFA coaches have worked in 600 schools with over 32,000 children and over £3.7million has been made available to the programme.
The Education Minister said: “It is important that we give our children the opportunity to choose a healthy and active lifestyle. By introducing them early on to organised sports there is a greater chance this interest will stay with them throughout their school years and beyond.”
The principle aim of the Food in Schools policy is to ensure that food in schools is representative of the balance of good health; makes a significant contribution to childhood nutrition and that schools contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to be able to make healthy food choices. It also aims to ensure that early years’ settings provide adequate opportunities for good nutrition and embed good habits in terms of healthy eating.
The Education Minister concluded: “I am pleased this important policy has now issued for consultation and I would encourage everyone to respond. The Department is particularly keen on hearing the views of parents and children.”
The consultation period runs until Friday, 11 December 2009.
Notes to Editors:
1. The draft policy and response form can be viewed and downloaded from the Department of Education’s website. Comments on the proposals may be submitted via the online form which is available at the same web address.
Alternatively, paper copies can be obtained by contacting the Department of Education:
By telephone: 028 9127 9442
By fax: 028 9127 9100
By e-mail: nutritional.standards@deni.gov.uk
By writing to: Community Cohesion Team, Room F26A, Department of Education, Rathgael House, Balloo Road, BANGOR, BT19 7PR
2. Media queries, contact the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
