NZEI Supports Food And Nutrition Guidelines

March 29, 2007

NZEI Supports Food And Nutrition Guidelines

The New Zealand Educational Institute supports new Food and Nutrition Guidelines designed to assist schools and early childhood education centres to promote healthy eating.

Education Minister, Steve Maharey, launched the guidelines at Mt Cook School in Wellington today.

“Teachers and school support staff support these guidelines because they know that learning suffers when children and young people are poorly nourished,” says Irene Cooper, National President of NZEI Te Riu Roa, the country’s largest education union.

She says schools and early childhood education centres are already promoting healthy eating and good nutrition.

“The guidelines are very helpful as they pull together a number of different programmes and intiatives that schools are using to promote healthy eating,” says Irene Cooper.

“They provide a uniform approach across the whole country and will help schools and centres build on the work they’re doing now to encourage children and young people to eat well.”

“But children are a product of their home environment and it’s essential that parents and caregivers are actively involved if we’re to ensure that our children are eating healthy foods,” says Irene Cooper.

She’s pleased to see the guidelines include ideas to involve parents in activities that promote healthy eating.

“It’s also good to see the guidlelines recognise the diversity of cultures in schools, centres and the community by portraying a range off nutritious foods,” Irene Cooper.

ENDS

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