Almost 7,000 primary school pupils from across 20 schools in Walsall have recently taken part in a national programme to encourage children to eat more vegetables through fun, engaging activities.
Image reads Eat Them to Defeat Them.
Eat Them to Defeat Them.
Eat Them to Defeat Them, a programme by Veg Power, is a well-established initiative that has been running for several years in other areas of the country, including in Walsall. The programme is funded by Walsall Council’s Public Health team.
Veg Power is supported by schools, catering teams and public health partners across the country and aims to help children increase their vegetable consumption through creative and interactive approaches. It also supports children and families to adopt healthy eating habits both in school and at home.
As part of the programme, schools received posters, stickers and activity sheets designed to make vegetables more appealing and to support healthier eating routines. Schools were also provided with guidance and lesson resources to integrate the programme into the school week.
“ Supporting children and their families to develop healthy eating habits is an important part of improving health and wellbeing. Programmes like Veg Power’s Eat Them to Defeat Them provide practical opportunities for pupils to try a wide range of vegetables in a familiar environment. “
Nadia Inglis, Director of Public Health
Walsall Council
In April, a further Veg Power initiative, Growing to Love (Tomatoes), will take place, with 13 Walsall schools already signed up. This programme provides participating schools with materials focused on helping children learn more about tomatoes, try them in different forms and understand their benefits as part of a balanced diet.
This activity forms part of ongoing local support for schools to promote healthy eating and encourage positive food experiences for children. The emphasis is on providing fun, age-appropriate activities designed to build familiarity and confidence around trying vegetables.