In an effort to emphasis the dangers of obesity and unhealthy eating habits on children, the GHA in conjunction with the Department of Education, have embarked on a campaign modeled from the UK’s ‘Change 4 Life’ Initiative, which aims to improve children’s diets and levels of activity in order to reduce the threat of developing preventable chronic diseases.

The campaign claims that people are more likely to alter their behavior if they believe others are doing the same. This mantra was shared by those behind the GHA’s campaign; Dr. Kumar, Director of Public Health, Daya Dewfall, Health Promotion Officer, Senior Education Advisor Darren Grech and GHA Dietician Melanie McLeod.

A collection of leaflets have been published to be handed out to school children covering a number of salient topics including ‘ensuring you child has a healthy breakfast’, ‘getting the balance right’, ‘fun snacks for healthy kids’ and ‘balancing the packed lunch’.

The leaflets set out which types of healthy foods children should be consuming throughout the day. GHA Dietician Melanie McLeod called upon the Department for Education to close down school tuck shops, which sell food products including chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks during school break times. In response, Darren Grech noted that the D of E had no commitment to do so, but would be willing to discuss an alteration in what kinds of foods are offered at tuck shops. He added that such snacks are not meant to supplement meals and it is parents’ responsibilities to ensure that their children eat a balanced diet.