Healthy Kids : About Munch & Move

I Like to Move it, Move It!

Healthy Kids : About Munch & Move

Health service support staff have been very impressed by the fantastic physical activity and healthy eating initiatives that are taking place in Munch & Move services across NSW. Some of these have been capturing in the case studies below.

If you have a good story to share following attendance at a Munch & Move workshop, contact Rhonda Matthews at rhonda.matthews@doh.health.nsw.gov.au to record your story.

http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-programs/munch-move-case-studies/gibbergunyah-case-study.aspx

Gibbergunyah Case Study

Focus on Drinks

Main idea

To increase water consumption, reduce the intake of sugary drinks and promote reduced fat milk for children over 2 years of age at the Gibbergunyah Long Day Care Centre.

Background

After attending a Munch & Move workshop two staff members (Jodi and Diana) from Gibbergunyah felt inspired to improve the quality of drinks being consumed within the centre. At that time the centre was routinely offering diluted juice and full-cream milk to all children. Lunch is bought by children from home to this long day care centre and it was noticed that parents often sent bottles filled with sugary drinks such as juice or cordial for the children’s afternoon tea. Jodi and Diana recognised there was room for improvement in the types of drinks children were having while they were at the centre.

In the longer term, the staff at Gibbergunyah aimed to improve the nutritional quality of lunches parents sent from home. They considered that improving drinks was a good, achievable starting point.

What did the idea involve?

Following their attendance at the Munch & Move workshop, Jodi and Diana held a staff meeting to discuss their proposal on healthier drinks. Information was provided to all staff about why water was considered the ‘best’ drink, and why reduced fat milk is the best choice of milk for over 2 year olds. This information was provided to parents and families via their newsletter. A survey was attached which asked parents if they agreed to the centre only offering water and the appropriate type of milk to their children at meal and break times, and if they would agree to only providing water in drink bottles. Most families were supportive of the proposal and the centre decided to implement the changes.

The nutrition policy was modified to reflect the changes and a start date publicised in the Centre’s newsletter. The centre used a resources grant to purchase an outdoor bubbler. If children did bring sugary drinks or juices to the centre, the child was offered reduced fat milk or water. The sugary drink was returned to parents in the child’s lunchbox with a reminder note. Most parents responded positively by apologising for the oversight the next day with a promise not to make the same mistake again.

What happened?

The majority of parents are very supportive of the new drinks policy. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of children bringing water from home. The children love the outdoor bubbler and are always excited to fill up their cups during the day!

Other comments

The Director commented that it is essential to involve staff and parents in the decision-making and to provide information about the need for the changes.