I am pleased today to recognize March as national Nutrition Month. This time provides an important opportunity to reflect on mealtime choices we make for ourselves and our families.

We know that healthy food and good nutrition are key components of overall wellness and essential for the health of our population. For our government, the importance of living healthy and promoting wellness is well recognized.

Each year, we invest $3.7 million through our Provincial Wellness Plan to support people in making smart choices about eating and living healthy.

This is particularly important for our children. Reaching children at an early age and empowering them to make healthy choices can significantly impact their health now and in the future by helping to prevent obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

In supporting children to eat and live healthy, our government proudly provides $1.25 million in annual funding for Kids Eat Smart Clubs. Through this program, thousands of children in schools across our province gain access to nutritious foods.

In addition, we support children and youth through a number of wellness initiatives which promote healthy eating and physical activity such as Healthy Students Healthy Schools, School Food Guidelines, and Active Living Schools.

We know that empowering individuals to make their own choices on healthy living is critical for success. So in 2006, we launched Go Healthy, a website with tools and resources to support people off all ages in taking an active role in achieving health and wellness.

We also partner with community groups and organizations through the Provincial Wellness Grants Program to address healthy eating, as well as other wellness priorities. Through these partnerships, a number of initiatives such as Drop the Pop, Skipping for Active Living, and community kitchens have been introduced in towns and communities across our province.

We also join forces with regional wellness coalitions, who are helping to bring the wellness movement province-wide.

As we carry on our work to initiate a healthy change for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, we will continue to engage stakeholders in promoting wellness.

As Nutrition Month draws to a close, I would like to challenge residents of the province to step it up. Whether you�ve already started to take action, or need to make the first move, now is a great time to start making healthy changes that will last a lifetime.