Healthy eating project for schools to be launched

Denbighshire County Council is launching a three-year school nutrition project.

From January pupils will benefit from additional activities to learn more about healthy eating and cooking skills and so far nine schools have signed up, with more able to engage in the next two years.

The project will be open to all schools in the county and will be based on the Nutrition Skills for Life Come and Cook Programme developed by dieticians at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Sessions will focus on nutrition, food hygiene, safety, practical cooking skills, food tasting, as well as planning and budgeting meals. 

Staff will benefit from training to run the sessions and parents/carers will be presented with an opportunity to engage in the project. 

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “The project will create a learning environment where it is easy and enjoyable to learn about eating healthily and making good food choices.

“A healthy balanced diet has a positive impact, not only on physical health, but also on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as school performance.

“This project is part of our work to ensure young people in Denbighshire have the best possible start in life.”

Some pupils will be selected as food ambassadors to work with their school and school cooks to promote healthy diets while a cooking competition will also be held annually, working with local chefs.

* For more information contact healthy.settings@denbighshire.gov.uk