Young families invited to a Food and Family Fun Day

11 September 2019

Families with young children are being invited to take part in a day of activities to promote healthy living.

The event will take place on Saturday, 14 September 2019, at Samarès Primary School, St Clement, from 11am to 3pm.The first Food and Family Fun Day has been organised by Government in partnership with community groups to promote work supported through the Food and Nutrition Strategy.

The free event aims to provide opportunities for children and their carers to learn more about healthier behaviours. The day will include activities organised by Jersey Sport, healthy food tasters provided by charity Caring Cooks, Jersey Dairy, and Genuine Jersey. Advice on oral health and breastfeeding by Supersmiles and FNHC will also be on offer.

Martin Knight, Director of Public Health Policy, said: “This event is the first of its kind which aims to bring together community services to promote healthy eating and active living and the growing number of local programmes that help make healthier choices easier. If children are able to form good habits at an early age, it will help support their general wellbeing as they grow older and prevent issues like obesity and diabetes. We hope that both the children and adults will use the event to improve their knowledge about healthy eating and develop a better understanding of the small but positive changes they can make in their family life.”

Senator Steve Pallett, who has responsibility for sport and mental health, said: “The Government has focused one of its key priorities on improving the wellbeing of Islanders. Exercise and outdoor activities are proven to be beneficial for not only physical health but mental wellbeing. We hope this event can help encourage healthy behaviours and inspire people to make the most of the opportunities we are lucky to have living in Jersey.”

There will also be face-painting, a scavenger hunt, hoola-hooping, a soft play area and creative competitions with prizes to be won.

Sponsors and exhibitors include: CYPES, Jersey Sports, Caring Cooks, Family Nursing and Home Care, Jersey Dairy, Public Health Jersey, Genuine Jersey and Supersmiles.