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 Ministry
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25 July 2008 Auckland District Health Board Media Statement Mt Albert kids go bananas for healthy eating programme The students at Owairaka District School in Mt Albert were all smiles when their new healthy eating programme ‘Lunch Box Launch’ was introduced today (Thursday 24 July 2008). Each student was provided with a lunch box labelled ‘Owairaka School promotes healthy eating.’ Included with the lunch box was a copy of the school food and nutrition policy plus the children were treated to a healthy food buffet that demonstrated all the different types of healthy foods that could be brought from home for lunch. The Lunch Box Launch was made possible by an Auckland District Health Board HEHA (Healthy Eating - Healthy Action) Nutrition Fund grant. ADHB HEHA District Coordinator, Ada Cheung, says Owairaka District School was awarded a nutrition fund grant because the school was committed to educating their students on healthy eating and had developed the innovative Lunch Box Launch project as a way to reach both student and parents. “It’s fantastic when schools embrace the importance of a healthy lifestyle and are committed to helping children make positive long term sustainable changes that will also have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the whole school community.“ “With 35% of the Auckland population falling in the overweight category and 21% in the obese category, nutritional education from an early age has never been more important.” Owairaka School Principal, Diana Tregoweth, says the Lunch Box Launch project is taking a holistic approach to healthy eating. “To support the Lunch Box Launch changes have also been made to the school tuck-shop menu and the school is working with the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand towards the gold heart beat award.” “We are delighted to have received a nutrition fund grant to help us implement this important school project”. Minister of Education Chris Carter and Dancing with the Stars celebrity and SPARC Ambassador Krystal Stuart also attended the launch. ENDS Further information: The Auckland District Health Board HEHA Nutrition Fund awards grants to schools and early childhood centres who want to develop a healthy eating environment. There are two upcoming funding rounds for the 2008/2009 period and examples of other projects that have received a Nutrition Fund grant include water fountain installation, planting of vegetable gardens and fruit trees and purchase of food preparation equipment for schools and early childhood centres. To find out more about Auckland District HEHA initiatives and the Nutrition Fund contact Ada Cheung, HEHA District Coordinator, on (09) 639 0202 What is Healthy Eating – Healthy Action? Healthy Eating – Healthy Action (HEHA) is the Ministry of Health’s strategic approach to improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and achieving healthy weight for all New Zealanders. HEHA Top Tips · Eat a variety of nutritious foods · Eat less fatty, salty, sugary foods · Eat more vegetables and fruits · Fully breastfeed infants for at least six months · Be active every day for at least 30 minutes in as many ways as possible · Add some vigorous exercise for extra benefit and fitness · Aim to maintain a healthy weight throughout life · Promote and foster the development of environments that support healthy lifestyles.
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