Veggie Month targets kids diets

NORTHERN NSW Local Health District is urging schools and early childhood services to take part in Veggie Month, with health data showing very few children eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables.

More than 55,000 children from 870 early childhood services across NSW took part in the campaign last year.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend between 2.5 and 5.5 serves of vegetables a day for children, depending on age.

Data from a 2023 to 2024 NSW health survey found only one in 20 children and adolescents aged two to 15 meet the recommended daily intake.

Veggie Month encourages children to try vegetables through weekly activities such as helping prepare meals, choosing vegetables for snacks and “eating the rainbow” by trying vegetables of different colours.

Northern NSW Local Health District acting director Aboriginal health, oral health and health promotion Cameron Johnson said the program aimed to make healthy eating fun.

“Veggie Month is a fun way to engage children, educators, and parents in small changes that can make a big difference,” he said.

“This year we hope children get involved at home too.”

Schools and care services taking part receive resources for activities including gardening, cooking and classroom projects.

The campaign also works alongside the Crunch and Sip program, which encourages students to eat fruit and vegetables during class breaks.

Murwillumbah Sathya Sai Primary principal Cal Atkins said the program helps promote healthy eating habits.

“Crunch and Sip helps us to encourage our students to be loving and kind to their bodies by eating nutritious food,” Atkins said.