Healthy Eating Supports the Wellness of Families and Communities

Nutrition Month Focuses on Cooking Basics and Food Preparation

Simply Cook and Enjoy! is this year’s theme for Nutrition Month, which focuses on inspiring individuals to get back to cooking basics and involving children and youth in food preparation. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, was recently joined by representatives from Dietitians of Newfoundland and Labrador to officially proclaim March as Nutrition Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Good nutrition is a cornerstone of an individual’s overall health and well-being, and with today’s busy lifestyles there is growing concern that food preparation skills are not being taught to our children and grandchildren. Evidence shows that children who are involved in meal preparation and enjoy meals with their families have healthier diets and better eating habits. Nutrition Month is an important opportunity to promote the benefits of healthy eating and create awareness of the importance of passing these life skills on to our children and youth.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government partners with several organizations and groups to provide programs and services focused on healthy eating and wellness. This includes the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, which sponsors nutritious breakfast and snack programs for school-aged children in Newfoundland and Labrador; the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, which promotes community-based solutions to increase access to adequate, healthy food for residents; and, the Eat Great and Participate program, which aims to increase access to healthy food and beverage options for children and youth participating in events at recreation, sport and community facilities.

Nutrition Month is an initiative of the Dietitians of Canada, the association which represents registered dietitians across the country, with more than 100 members in Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information about events taking place during Nutrition Month, visit www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-Month/ActivityMap.aspx.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Simply Cook and Enjoy! is this year’s theme for Nutrition Month, which focuses on inspiring individuals to get back to cooking basics and involving children and youth in food preparation.
• The Provincial Government provides approximately $1 million annually to the Kids Eat Smart Foundation, which partners with schools and communities to support nutritious food programs for school-aged children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Through an annual investment of $105,000, the Provincial Government supports the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador to promote community-based solutions to increase access to adequate and healthy food for residents.
• In 2013, over 100 community groups and non-profit organizations benefited from a total Provincial Government investment of $862,500 through the Provincial Wellness Grants Program to support a range of health initiatives, including age-friendly communities, wellness and cancer prevention and awareness.

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