The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland has launched this year’s ‘Food and Fitness’ roadshow in primary schools across Northern Ireland.
Food and Fitness is designed to teach children in a fun and engaging way about a healthy diet and active lifestyle including the importance of dairy products.
The programme, which is offered free of charge to key stage 2 pupils, will reach over 250 schools and more than 24,000 children during the current academic year. Interactive activities such as quizzes, singing, games and rapping are used to communicate the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The lesson includes showing children a fun exercise routine as well as teaching them how nutrient–rich dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt with their protein, phosphorus, vitamins B2 and B12 and calcium, can contribute to a healthy balanced diet.
Each 45 minute session is supported by a teachers’ pack and parents’ leaflet, helping to reinforce ‘Food and Fitness’ messages in the home as well as in the classroom, providing easy ideas for getting children involved in the kitchen and in exercise.
Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said:
“We are all aware of the growing obesity epidemic among young people in which diet and lifestyle choices can play a part.
“Our ‘Food and Fitness’ roadshow has been designed to support schools in educating children about the importance of adopting healthy diet and exercise routines. A good diet can play an important role in a child’s health and development as well as giving them the best chance of doing well at school.
“Fostering these healthy lifestyle habits from a young age could make a real difference to a healthier future for the nextgeneration.”