New Healthy Eating Initiative launching in local kindergartens

Children in participating three and four year old kindergarten programs across Mansfield Shire will receive a new lunch box and healthy eating recipe book as part of a new Healthy Eating Initiative, designed to help children and their families build healthy eating habits early.

The initiative will include hands-on healthy eating sessions and a resource pack for every enrolled child at participating kindergartens, also featuring a healthy eating-themed children's book and resources covering food choices, where food comes from and the benefits of growing your own produce.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie, who includes cooking amongst one of his life's passions, said the initiative was a great way to get kids excited about good healthy food.

"Getting kids started on the right track early is key to building the healthy habits that will last a lifetime," he said.

"The health of the Mansfield Shire community is an ongoing priority at Council so we're excited to be working with local kindergartens to deliver a program that supports the health and wellbeing of our youngest community members.”

Through planting, growing and tasting their own produce, children will learn about different foods, build practical skills and connect with what they eat.

The program is set to be delivered by Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service (MCH) from August and is funded by the Department of Health.

The initiative supports Council's Health and Wellbeing Action Plan and, more importantly, gives local kids a fun, hands-on start to a lifetime of healthy choices.