Campaign For Healthy Lunchboxes

5 July 2010, 05:45

The NHS have started a big campaign to try and get children in Bournemouth and Poole eating more healthily.

A third of eleven year olds here are either overweight or obese.

Now health bosses have launched 'snack in a box' which focuses on what goes into children's lunch boxes for school.

They are holding a number of events this summer so they can talk to parents about new ideas with sample tasters for children to try and encourage them to try new foods.

A Facebook page has also been set up where mums and dads can share ideas for healthy lunchboxes.

Sophia Callaghan, Consultant in Public Health said: "The 'snack in a box' campaign acknowledges that people want to be able to have quick, easy tips with advice on healthy lunch ideas. We have many of these ideas easily accessed on Facebook or through our website. If you need more in-depth information please visit our team at one of the local events.

"Keeping our weight at a healthy level is often hard with every day life pressures playing a part in the daily choices we make. We all want the best for our children, so the earlier we start with healthy eating habits throughout our day, the more likely we are to keep these choices as adults.  Planning healthy lunch boxes is a vital part of this approach."

'Snack in a box' events are being held at:

Saturday 17th July - Health Information Day at Boscombe Chine gardens, 10:00 - 16:00

Thursday 29th July - Family Festival at Meyrick Park, 10:00 - 17:00

Saturday 11th September - Hamworthy Health Information Day, Hamworthy Fire Station, 11:00 - 15:00