ProVeg UK ’s Post

Good news - the USDA may be improving school food. Why is this a big deal? Well, as a nation, we cut our red meat consumption and the government regulated smoking and banned trans fats, yet our health has still declined, e.g. diet related disease skyrocketed and we're living shorter lives. This bill isn't perfect and is only one step towards making great food de facto, but it remains worth celebrating (and making sure it is implemented). #GoodFoodSolvesIssues p.s. This is likely far more impactful than the combined work of the thousands on nonprofits who do food education for kids. https://lnkd.in/g8uKzhih

Budget 2024 earmarked $1 billion over five years for a new National School Food Program to provide meals to 400,000 more children every year by expanding existing school food programs. Canada Beef has been part of an industry working group examining the development of a national school food policy in Canada. Canada Beef supported the working group by developing a backgrounder to explore beef’s place in the diet of school-aged children in Canada. Canada Beef noted that nutrient adequacy is critical in childhood, yet iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 remain nutrients of concern for children in Canada. Beef contains nutrients that children need, like heme iron and zinc, vitamin B12 and complete protein, which are nutrients not as easily obtained from plant-based diets. The federal government said it will work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments to deliver the new national program, potentially as soon as the 2024-2025 school year. Canada Beef will continue to provide information to the working group and monitor the development of the school food policy and implementation of the national program supported by the federal government. Read more at https://lnkd.in/g9gBHGs7 Check out the full Beef Watch report here - https://lnkd.in/g6QYmkvG

Exciting new research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior demonstrating how powerful the FRESHFARM FoodPrints program is - over the long term - in influencing dietary habits by starting food education programs in elementary school. https://lnkd.in/eazq3ZfR

Wowsers! 😲 Did you know that one in three children aged ten to 11 years-old are overweight or obese? It's time to make a change. According to our recent #FuellingYoungMinds report, 82% of children have expressed interest in eating a healthy and balanced diet. 🥗 So what's missing? 🤔 Chartwells UK is committed to supporting schools and teachers in educating young people in engaging and innovative ways about food, nutrition, and sustainability. Our report highlights the need for food education and the steps we are taking to make a positive impact. Download the full report using the link below or reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you make a difference. #foodeducation #schoolcatering

What does Labour’s #GeneralElection win mean for #SchoolFood? 👇 We also highlight what the new government must do to ensure every child gets quality nutrition and #FoodEducation for a healthier, happier future. #ElectionResults #FoodPolicy https://lnkd.in/esWXpEmE

Definitely. Food education should begin as early as possible and is life long learning. I believe food should be a stand alone subject taught holistically to all key srages in school and should be compulsory like PE. this would have a massive impact of wellbeing, sustainability and cultural awareness. if only there was investment in food education!

Great news! Exciting news! WIC* benefits now include fresh fruits and veggies! As a former grocery store cashier, my WIC customers had mostly shelf-stable options (Enfamil formula, Cheerios, etc.). But now, as a Veggielution farm-box volunteer, I know the difference fresh produce makes for food-insecure families. This is such a win for families and for nutrient-dense food that nurtures #people and the #planet. #WIC #healthyeating #freshproduce #Veggielution (*WIC is an essential food program for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and 5 and under infants. For CA residents, here's an example of WIC purchases: https://lnkd.in/gvMGK9Em)

Read this blog from our Health & Food Programme Manager Sean Cowden about the importance of food education in Early Years 👇

We all want our children to eat a healthy rainbow of fruit and vegetables. There are easy ways you can include fruit and veggie education into your daily practice.    We know that children may need up to 10 individual exposures to a food before they feel comfortable to try it.    Which of these have you done? What should we add to our list?    * Reading books about eating different foods and veggies  * Playing shops – what veggies do the children in your service like to buy?  * Growing veggies – you could try growing them in recycled containers!  * Preparing food – squeezing juices, spreading hummus or peeling apples are great for fine motor skills too!    For more expert-verified advice for under 5s, for educators and families, head to our website www.growandgotoolbox.com    #KidsEating #HealthyEatingforKids #ParentingHacks #Veggies #FiveADay #FussyEating #EveryVegCounts #NutritionTips #HealthyEating #ECEC #EarlyChildhood     Source: Healthy Eating Advisory Service Fun ways to add vegetables to the menu, Early childhood services    

Winter is here, are you ready for the challenges that may come with it? Prepare for potential winter weather issues and other emergencies with tips on SNAP-Ed's Stay Safe During Emergencies page including: Planning your pantry: Stock up on healthy, long-lasting food. Being ready with enough food is important, especially if winter weather prevents trips to the market. Staying healthy during flu season: Keep your body strong by eating nutritious food and drinking plenty of water. Use the SNAP Ed Nutrition Education page to learn more. Handling food safely during power outages: Winter storms can cause power cuts. Learn how to keep your food safe and avoid getting sick from spoiled food. Stay Safe During Emergencies: https://lnkd.in/gNeWPguA Nutrition Education page: https://lnkd.in/gub27sUv Food Safety: https://lnkd.in/gCpAtFpr