Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Boylan encourages responses to the Food in Schools Consultation

Published: 16 September, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has encouraged people to take part in a public consultation launched today by the Education and Health Ministers to improve nutritional standards in our schools and educate children on healthy food choices available

The Department of Education and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have jointly published the proposed Food in Schools Policy which aims to ensure that food in schools is representative of the balance of good health.

Mr. Boylan said,

"I would encourage people to give their views on this very important issue. We need to be constantly improving and revaluating nutritional standards in our schools and educate children and parents on the healthy food choices available.

No one should underestimate the seriousness of childhood obesity. There are serious long-term health consequences. Obesity is a serious, chronic medical condition and the linkage with diabetes is well-established, with a significant increase in the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in children under 18 years of age. Obese children also have a 25-50% chance of progression to adult obesity

Speaking about the public consultation, the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said:

"A healthy, balanced diet is vital for children's growth and development and for their long-term health and well-being. There is increasing concern about child obesity and a greater awareness of the need for healthy eating. Children should be given as much information as possible to make better choices when deciding on which food to eat and what makes up a balanced diet.

"Children should be happy, fit and healthy and a good diet is essential to maintaining energy levels, concentration in school and overall well-being. Encouraging healthy eating habits in children contributes to their growth and development in the short term and is an investment in their health for the future."

The Department of Education introduced a sports programme in 2007 to encourage children to have a healthy and active lifestyle. Since then, 62 GAA and IFA coaches have worked in 600 schools with over 32,000 children and over £3.7million has been made available to the programme.

The Education Minister said:

"It is important that we give our children the opportunity to choose a healthy and active lifestyle. By introducing them early on to organised sports there is a greater chance this interest will stay with them throughout their school years and beyond."

The principle aim of the Food in Schools policy is to ensure that food in schools is representative of the balance of good health; makes a significant contribution to childhood nutrition and that schools contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills necessary to be able to make healthy food choices. It also aims to ensure that early years' settings provide adequate opportunities for good nutrition and embed good habits in terms of healthy eating.

The Education Minister concluded: "I am pleased this important policy has now issued for consultation and I would encourage everyone to respond. The Department is particularly keen on hearing the views of parents and children."

The consultation period runs until Friday, 11 December 2009.

Notes to editors:

1. The draft policy and response form can be viewed and downloaded from the Department of Education's website at www.deni.gov.uk. Comments on the proposals may be submitted via the online form which is available at the same web address.

Alternatively, paper copies can be obtained by contacting the Department of Education:

By telephone: 028 9127 9442

By fax: 028 9127 9100

By e-mail: nutritional.standards@deni.gov.uk

By writing to: Community Cohesion Team, Room F26A, Department of Education, Rathgael House,

Balloo Road, BANGOR, BT19 7PR