By Olivia Condous
Education on healthy eating for children is set to be more accessible through a new initiative that is being rolled out across the state.
Melton is one of thirteen Victorian municipalities to be selected for the Healthy Kids Advisors initiative, in which dedicated advisors will teach residents and their children about healthy eating for young people.
The initiative is run by the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation on behalf of the Victorian government as part of the Vic Kids Eat Well movement.
Maryann Barsoum is the Healthy Kids Advisor for Melton and said she will work closely with the local community, including in partnership with Melton council and Western Health.
“As a community, we want to support our children and young people to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles,” Ms Barsoum said.
“I’m here to listen and collaborate with local voices to make the changes our families and young people want to see.”
Examples of how Ms Barsoum will engage with the community include community workshops and classes or working with schools and sporting clubs to help them promote healthy eating.
“I’m excited to share easy, nourishing recipes that excite children to experiment with all types of ingredients,” she said.
“I’ll also show simple ways local schools and organisations can add fun and flavour to their food and drink environments.”
Western Health Bacchus Marsh and Melton acting general manager Kellie Vivekanantham said the organisation was proud to partner with the Healthy Kids Advisor and the Vic Kids Eat Well program to improve the food environments for children and families in Melton.
“Forming good habits of healthy eating when we are young reduces the risks of many diseases later in life as well as providing the proper nutrition to learn, play and grow now,” Ms Vivekanantham said.
To learn how you can get involved, contact Maryann on maryann.barsoum@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au.
Details: www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/healthy-kids-advisors
