Scoil Mhuire NS. Oranmore celebrated the launch of their ‘Healthy Eating’ policy on Monday with a series of events to mark the occasion.
Local supermarket manager, Gavin Walsh of Nestor’s Supervalu arrived with a delivery of fruit, providing fresh fruit treats for all pupils to enjoy on the day. Glenisk and Clada Water also lent their support by providing yoghurts and water for the children to enjoy.
Special guest on the day was masterchef and nutritionist Tara Canning who spoke to the pupils about reducing sugar intake and the importance of healthy eating.
Caroline Brennan, teacher and health promotion co-ordinator for the school said ‘We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from parents, pupils and staff since getting involved with the Health Promoting Schools initiative.
“Everyone realises the importance of having a healthy, balanced diet and appreciate the impact it can have on concentration, energy, school performance and overall wellbeing. Hopefully today’s launch will remind everyone of this and guide us all in making healthier food choices every day, both inside and outside of school,” she said.
The launch of this healthy eating policy is part of Scoil Mhuire’s drive to become a recognised ‘Health Promoting School’ with the HSE. The school’s health promotion team made up of pupils, parents and teachers have been working together since September to highlight the importance of healthy eating throughout the school community.
A very successful Active & Nutrition week was held in November, which saw the introduction of a “Fruit & Vegetable break” and emphasised the message of “Eat a Rainbow Everyday” to encourage a wide variety of foods in children’s lunchboxes. The HPS team also conducted online surveys with parents, pupils and staff to gather opinions on what should be included in the updated healthy eating policy.
